Rudder Failure Causes Vessel Collision in Hamburg Port

On July 14, the inland vessel Willi Abicht, flying the German flag, collided with the container ship COSCO Shipping Capricorn at the Tollerort Container Terminal in Hamburg. The incident occurred due to a malfunction in the inland vessel’s rudder system.

Two people sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision. The Willi Abicht sustained visible structural damage but remained afloat and stable. No risk of sinking was reported, and authorities confirmed that the event did not cause any environmental contamination. The vessel was later towed to a nearby shipyard for assessment and necessary repairs.

Meanwhile, the COSCO Shipping Capricorn, a large container vessel, suffered only light surface damage, limited to scratches and paint abrasions.

Emergency response was prompt, with Hamburg police deploying four patrol boats to the site to manage the situation and ensure maritime safety.