Two multipurpose (MPP) ships managed by the same company have been damaged in a head-on collision in the Kiel Canal in northern Germany.
Latvian operator Rix Shipmanagement's 3,700-dwt Rix Star (built 1991) and Rix Partner (built 1998) collided near Rendsburg am Obereiderhafen on Saturday afternoon.
The Bild newspaper cited the Neumunster police department as saying the Rix Star suffered a technical problem and ended up facing oncoming traffic before hitting the Rix Partner.
Photos from the scene show the bow of the Rix Star buckled and holed.
The Rix Partner, with a load of ammonium sulphate, was assisted by two tugs.
No injuries were reported and the canal was opened again a short time later.
Probe has begun
An investigation is ongoing into the incident.
AIS data showed both vessels were moored at Rendsburg on Monday morning.
The Rix Star has a clean port state control record going back to 2013, while the sister vessel has no detentions stretching back to its delivery.
Rix Shipmanagement was not immediately available for comment, but has been emailed for further information.
The Riga company is listed with a fleet of 31 vessels, including two handysize bulkers.
