UHL Freedom drifts in 4.5m North Sea waves after engine failure
Five crew injured as 150-metre UHL Freedom loses engine power 29km off Dutch coast amid 9-force winds.
A heavy-lift cargo vessel lost control in the North Sea during a severe storm, leaving five crew members injured. The incident took place 29 kilometres north of Schiermonnikoog, a Dutch island, where waves reached 4.5 metres and winds gusted at force 9 on the Beaufort scale.
The UHL Freedom, operated by German shipping company United Heavy Lift, was transporting wind turbine blades to the Port of Emden, Germany, when the failure occurred. According to a spokesperson from the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution, the ship’s anchor system malfunctioned, and engine power issues left the vessel drifting uncontrollably.
Rescue Efforts Deployed Amid Storm Conditions: UHL Freedom
A helicopter arrived at the scene to provide medical assistance, with a nurse treating the injured before two severely affected crew members were airlifted to the University Medical Center in Groningen. A Coast Guard aircraft was also dispatched to monitor the situation, while the Dutch Sea Rescue Service KNRM, two German vessels, and the rescue ship Hamburg were sent to assist the stricken vessel.
The UHL Freedom, sailing under the Portuguese flag, remained adrift until rescue teams reached it. The 150-metre-long ship, built in 2021, is designed for transporting heavy industrial equipment and offshore wind energy components. Authorities have since consulted with United Heavy Lift regarding the next steps for the vessel once it is stabilised.
Advanced Design Features of the Stricken Vessel
The UHL Freedom is classified by DNV and has a gross tonnage of 16,729 tonnes, with an average speed of 13.7 knots. As part of a fleet of 19 sister ships, it is equipped with two deck cranes, each capable of lifting 450 tonnes. The vessel’s design emphasises fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, meeting Tier III climate compliance standards.
Additionally, the ship was constructed to GL E3 / Finnish 1A Ice Class specifications, featuring a reinforced hull and propulsion system to navigate icy waters without requiring an icebreaker.
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