Cargo Vessel Hits Railway Bridge in Weener

Grona Shipping The general cargo vessel Emsmoon, owned by Germany-based Grona Shipping, crashed into a railway bridge which crosses the river Ems in Weener, in the evening hours of December 3, according to German media. Shortly after the 2000-built vessel departed the German port of  Papenburg, it smashed into the railway bridge, which failed to open. The bridge suffered severe damage, while the vessel got entangled in the structure. The 6,334 dwt Emsmoon, which reportedly did not suffer any major damages, was later pulled out by a tug and brought back to Papenburg. No injuries were reported following the incident. Vessel traffic was closed on the river Ems, as well as the traffic on the railway which connects Leer, Germany, and Groningen, the Netherlands. The incident is currently under investigation. World Maritime News Staff