Salvage Teams Prepare for Final Refloating Attempt as Ice Season Nears
The Dutch general cargo vessel Thamesborg remains aground in Canada’s Franklin Strait, with Wagenborg racing to refloat it before the onset of Arctic winter conditions. Since the grounding in early September off Prince of Wales Island, the company has worked closely with the Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada to execute a complex salvage plan now entering its most critical stage.
The 17,000-tonne vessel was en route from China to Quebec when it struck a shoal near Nunavut’s Boothia Peninsula. While several ballast tanks were ruptured, Wagenborg confirmed that they were empty at the time of the incident and have since filled with seawater. Fuel tanks and cargo holds remain intact, and there has been no pollution reported.
“The crew are safe and in good health. The vessel is stable and the environment protected,” Wagenborg stated, emphasizing its focus on crew safety and environmental stewardship.
Cargo Transfer to Lighten the Vessel
In an effort to reduce the Thamesborg’s draft, roughly 4,000 tonnes of cargo have already been offloaded onto the Silver Copenhagen and the Nulavik. More cargo could be transferred if weather or structural conditions demand it.
With the arrival of the Estonian icebreaker MSV Botnica on October 3, all equipment needed for the refloat operation is now in position. The operation hinges on carefully managing ballast water levels in the damaged tanks — a precise balancing act made harder by unpredictable Arctic weather.
A Wagenborg spokesperson confirmed that “the refloating attempt is scheduled for this week, weather permitting.”
Racing the Freeze
As Arctic waters edge closer to freeze-up, time is short. Meteorologists from Environment and Climate Change Canada warn that storm systems are developing across Nunavut, with snow flurries and strong winds expected later this week. Such conditions could easily delay or complicate the salvage attempt.
The Canadian Coast Guard said it remains “optimistic” that the ship can be freed before sea ice begins to form. The Botnica, capable of both icebreaking and towing, will remain nearby to support the effort should conditions worsen.
A Careful Balance Between Power and Prudence
Once freed, the Thamesborg will be inspected before heading to a yet-to-be-confirmed port of refuge. Wagenborg intends for the vessel to sail under its own power, though it will have the Botnica on standby for escort or towing support if required.
The ship’s Ice Class 1A notation provides some reassurance that it can navigate moderate ice conditions, but even that rating has limits. The Arctic can be unforgiving — one storm or an early freeze could seal the vessel in place for months.
As Wagenborg puts it, every effort now is “focused on refloating the vessel before the winter window closes.” Contingency plans include additional cargo removal and potential icebreaking support should the first attempt fail.
An investigation into the cause of the grounding is ongoing, led by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). Wagenborg said it would be premature to speculate until that inquiry concludes.
The company confirmed that the Thamesborg is fully insured under comprehensive maritime policies, including Protection and Indemnity (P&I) and Hull and Machinery (H&M) cover.
