World’s Largest Catamaran Collided With Rhone Port Breakwater
The world’s largest ferry hit a breakwater while leaving the Rhone port on the Baltic island of Bornholm. The accident is the third for the ship since it was put into operation in 2023, and it is unclear when it will resume operations.
The accident occurred on Monday afternoon when the Express 5 ferry was leaving the narrow port. It hit the inner breakwater, leaving a long crease on the starboard.
The passenger reported hearing a loud noise. Fortunately, he returned to the dock without injuries.
The aluminum hull was severely damaged, and the ferry will be transferred to the dry dock for repairs. According to media reports, the cause of the accident is under investigation, and an official report will be submitted soon.
Another company ferry, Express 1, is still in the shipyard and cannot replace Express 5. Bornholm residents will have to use two conventional ferries with a longer ferry time of about three hours.
Express 5 is the world’s largest catamaran designed for Baltic conditions. It can accommodate 450 cars and 1,625 passengers. It exceeds the previous ship on the route in length and passenger capacity.
It started operating on the Ystad-Bornholm route in 2023 and has since collided with stationary objects three times, most recently on Monday, once in June this year, and once in May 2023.
In June, the ship was anchored in the Rhone Valley, and strong winds caused it to drift towards the opposite pier and hit an empty dock.
In May 2023, it was approaching the Ystad berth, but the captain misjudged the maneuver. The ferry approached at high speed and collided with a barge at the opposite pier, causing minor damage. After the incident, the captain was tried for negligence.
Express five also experienced two power outages in January and February 2024.
