Approximately six weeks after running aground in Canada’s Arctic, the Dutch cargo ship Thamesborg, along with its icebreaker and tug escorts, has departed from the Northwest Passage. The convoy is currently heading south through Baffin Bay towards the Davis Strait and is expected to exit Arctic waters soon.
The Thamesborg was refloated last Thursday after taking on 5,000 tons of cargo and clearing flooded ballast tanks with equipment supplied by the icebreaker Botnica. Following this, the vessels sought refuge in Wrottesley Inlet for a comprehensive inspection and then embarked on a week-long journey to exit Arctic waters. One tracking report indicates that Thamesborg is anticipated to reach its original port in Baie-Comeau, Canada, by October 24.
Opting for a detour, the convoy navigated through the less-traveled Bellot Strait instead of Barrow Strait to avoid accumulating ice. This strait is a narrow channel connecting the Gulf of Boothia and Brentford Bay, characterized by steep walls and strong currents that can flow in both directions. The Thamesborg managed to traverse the strait at approximately 9 knots.
Discovered in 1957 as an alternative route to mitigate ice challenges, Bellot Strait has proven vital for deepwater vessels. This historical route was explored during the Cold War to provide a passage for supply ships to circumvent ice. Nearly 70 years later, it continues to assist vessels in avoiding icy conditions, exemplified by the recent transit of Thamesborg.
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