An incident that occurred at the port of Esbjerg (Denmark) has damaged several wind turbine blades and led to the detention of the offshore installation vessel “Brave Tern” (IMO 9583782), part of the Fred. Olsen Windcarrier fleet. It is worth noting that after its modernization at Navantia Ferrol, on its last day it caused a crane to fall, fortunately without personal injuries.
The accident occurred on June 10 during a port maneuver. Strong winds are believed to have pushed the vessel “Brave Tern”, flagged in Malta, which had just loaded nine blades for the Thor offshore wind farm. The vessel lost control and collided with the installation vessel “Wind Keeper” (IMO 9972749), flagged in the Marshall Islands, which was docked. The latter also collided with a crane and the dock.
As a result of the incident, several blades from the wind farm were damaged. According to estimates from local media, losses could exceed $150,000, as each blade has a high economic value. So far, only one person has been taken to the hospital with injuries.
The vessel “Brave Tern”, owned by Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, remains detained by the Danish Maritime Authority while inspections are conducted on the damages to the vessels, the cargo, and the port facilities. The role of weather conditions in the accident is also under investigation.