Terra 2 Freed After Running Aground in Düsseldorf Harbour

The inland motor freighter Terra 2 has been successfully refloated after running aground in Düsseldorf harbour, Germany. No damage to the vessel or pollution was reported following the incident.

The vessel became grounded while departing Dock B at the Port of Düsseldorf on September 28. It had recently been loaded with 168 Mercedes vans destined for Antwerp.

Several attempts were made to free the freighter, but these were initially unsuccessful. Despite the grounding, shipping traffic and other operations at the port were not disrupted. According to the water police, using a tug to assist the vessel was considered unsuitable because low water levels created a risk of damaging Terra 2.

The freighter was eventually freed on September 30 with assistance from a Dutch-flagged vessel that was departing the harbour. The ship nudged Terra 2 away from the sandbank, allowing it to break free. Part of the cargo was subsequently unloaded to reduce the vessel’s draft.

Although Terra 2 had been refloated, it did not immediately resume its journey. The vessel remained in place while awaiting instructions from the water police and harbour master concerning its permitted draft and cargo load. The freighter is expected to continue its voyage on October 2, when water levels are anticipated to have risen.