Bulk Carrier Ultra Infinity Strikes Canal Embankment in Fog

On the morning of October 23, around 10:00 AM local time, the bulk carrier Ultra Infinity collided with the embankment of the Kiel Canal in Germany due to low visibility caused by heavy fog. Fortunately, the vessel was able to free itself, and initial reports suggest there was no significant damage.

The incident occurred as the Ultra Infinity was navigating through the 98-kilometer-long Kiel Canal, which connects Brunsbüttel and Kiel. At the time of the accident, the area was shrouded in dense fog, reducing visibility to approximately 100 meters. Due to the challenging conditions, the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier veered off course and struck the northern embankment.

Canal traffic was briefly halted while the vessel remained stationary, but it eventually freed itself and continued its journey toward Kiel. A tugboat was dispatched to assist the carrier upon its arrival at the northern harbor.

No crew members were injured during the incident, and the vessel sustained minimal damage since it was traveling at a low speed. There were no reports of hull damage or any signs of pollution.

The Ultra Infinity, built in 2016, measures 200 meters in length, 32.24 meters in width, and has a gross tonnage of 34,804. It has since anchored near Holtenau, awaiting a detailed inspection. Meanwhile, water police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports pointing to human error.