Cargo Ship Collides in Bremen; Captain Faces Alcohol Probe

A general cargo ship flying the Norwegian flag, Wilson Nanjing, was involved in a collision with a docked vessel at Germany’s Bremen port on June 12. Authorities confirmed that the incident did not result in any injuries or environmental harm.

The accident took place around 8:15 p.m. local time as Wilson Nanjing was leaving the Weserport Terminal 1, located within Bremen’s industrial harbor. During the departure maneuver, the ship's port side impacted the front end of a vessel that was securely moored at the quay. Both ships sustained minor damage from the contact.

Upon arrival at the scene, Bremen’s Water Police noticed an alcohol odor on the breath of the 55-year-old Russian captain. A voluntary breath test showed his blood alcohol concentration was over the legal threshold. As a result, he was deemed unfit to continue the voyage. Authorities took a blood sample for further testing and imposed a security deposit of $6,000.

A formal investigation has now been initiated on suspicion of compromising maritime safety. In the meantime, the 123.04-meter-long vessel has been moved to a different berth within the port for the time being.