Eco-Ponente

On Jan 18, 2026, at around 11.30 a.m. UTC,, the "Eco Ponente" struck a lock gate fender while entering the last operable lock of the Kiel Canal in Kiel, enroute from Riga to Rotterdam, partially tearing it from its moorings. The "Eco Ponente" sustained only scratches to its hull. The water police started investigating the cause of the incident. The ship was permitted to continue the voyage at 12.30 p.m. UTC and arrived at the Hutchison ECT Delta Terminal in the Amazone Port of Rotterdam on Jan 19 at 10.30 p.m. UTC. The Water and Shipping Authority for the Kiel Canal intended to repair the damage quickly using its own resources. Another ship of the X-Press Feeders Group, the 'Eco Ostro' (IMO: 9959565), had just allided with the othjer chamber of the North lock on Jan 17, causing damage to the brickwork and also suffering scratches.