A late-night collision between the Maersk Gironde and the SFL Composer disrupted traffic through one of northern Europe’s busiest maritime corridors on August 5, according to a report by The Maritime Executive. The two large vessels (one carrying containers, the other loaded with vehicles) struck each other while navigating the Danish Straits, near the island of Funen.
Danish Maritime Authority officials confirmed that both ships suffered what they described as “material damage” above the waterline but stressed there were no injuries or pollution. As a precaution, each vessel has been detained for detailed inspection and a formal investigation.
The impact, which occurred just before midnight, left the SFL Composer with a deep scrape running most of its length, culminating in a dent and visible hole near the stern. The Maersk Gironde’s bow also sustained significant damage.
The Maersk Gironde, built in 2002 and capable of carrying 4,800 TEU, had been en route from Wilhelmshaven, Germany, to Gdansk, Poland. She remains anchored awaiting clearance to continue her voyage. Meanwhile, the 2006-built SFL Composer, with capacity for 6,500 vehicles and operating under charter to Volkswagen, was assisted by tugs to the Port of Odense.
Underwater inspections were scheduled for the following morning. Authorities have so far declined to comment on the exact cause of the incident or the weather conditions at the time.
Photo: Maersk file
