Fire-Engulfed Ship with 3,000 Cars Shifted Off Dutch Shore

Fire-Ridden Vessel with 3,000 Cars Including EVs Successfully Relocated Off Dutch Coast to Avert Environmental Catastrophe

A cargo vessel bearing 3,000 vehicles, known as the Fremantle Highway, had been on fire near the Dutch shoreline for nearly a week before it was successfully relocated, averting an impending environmental crisis. The ship’s shifting operation was executed flawlessly over a 41-mile (66km) distance by the Rijkswaterstaat national water management agency.

The ignition source for the inferno that erupted last Tuesday is still undetermined. However, the ship owner speculates that an electric vehicle onboard could have sparked it. Tragically, one sailor lost his life, while 22 others had to be rescued, with some even leaping overboard. The majority have now been discharged from the hospital.

The ship’s new anchoring spot lies 10 miles north of the Schiermonnikoog and Ameland islands. However, there is ongoing apprehension about the potential effects of pollutants on the surrounding waters and a proximate archipelago in the Wadden Sea, recognized for its ecological sensitivity. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a vibrant diversity of over 10,000 aquatic and terrestrial species, including approximately 20 fish species native to the islands’ tidal mud flats.

The relocated position better accommodates varying weather conditions and potential scenarios, according to officials. The Dutch broadcaster NOS noted that the area is also clear of bustling shipping lanes.

An oil spill response vessel stands at the ready nearby, and authorities intend to conduct a cargo ship inspection soon. It’s noteworthy that the Fremantle Highway had almost 500 electric vehicles aboard at the onset of the fire. Earlier in 2022, another vessel transporting around 4,000 Volkswagen vehicles, some of which were electric models, caught fire and sank off the Azores’ coast in the Atlantic Ocean.