Lena J Heavy-Lift Ship Chips a Bridge

Multi-purpose heavy lift vessel Lena J hit a bridge on Wednesday while en route from Montreal to Colborne in the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

“At approximately 12 noon on Wednesday, September 30, the vessel Lena J came into contact with Bridge 19 in Port Colborne, Ontario, which spans the Welland Canal. The cause of this incident is currently under investigation,” Andrew Bogora, Public Relations Officer of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation told World Maritime News.

As informed, both the ship and the bridge sustained some damage.

“Navigation on the Welland Canal in the vicinity of Port Colborne was suspended following the incident, and resumed later in the afternoon,” Bogora added.

The 9,928 DWT ship is reported to have remained seaworthy and it resumed sail to Colborne where it was inspected for damages.

The 1998-built vessel of 800 ton lifting capacity is operated by German Arkon Shipping.

World Maritime News Staff