Oil Leak from Rix Mariner Closes Kiel Canal Northern Lock

Oil leak from Rix Mariner forced the closure of the northern lock of the Kiel Canal for nearly six hours on 18 May after an oily sheen was detected in one of the lock chambers. Authorities inspected four vessels in the chamber before identifying the cargo ship as the source. The sheen spread across around 3,000 square metres, prompting a response from emergency and coastal protection teams. However, officials determined the pollution did not pose a sufficient threat to require cleanup. Following the reopening of the lock, Rix Mariner was escorted to North Harbour for further investigation and repairs.