Norwegian authorities have released the results of a technical inspection following the grounding of the feeder vessel NCL Salten, which has since been moved to dry dock. The inspection revealed serious technical and procedural deficiencies, and the vessel remains docked in Orkanger until its transfer to a repair yard is formally approved.
According to the Norwegian Maritime Authority, the ship’s bridge watch alarm system was disabled at the time of the incident. The second officer, accused of negligence, admitted he fell asleep on watch but claimed the alarm system failed to go off. Officials stressed that the incident could likely have been avoided had the system been activated.
AIS tracking data confirms the vessel continued on a straight course at 16 knots, failing to change direction before grounding near a coastal residence.
The inspection also revealed that the ship’s ISM (International Safety Management) system was non-compliant with international standards. The vessel has been given three months to rectify these issues, but it must repair the bridge alarm system before leaving Orkanger. Additionally, written approval from Cyprus, the vessel’s flag state, is required before it may proceed to a repair yard.
Further concerns were raised regarding emergency exits: inspectors found that the hatch from the engine room was too heavy and difficult to open from the inside. The ship has been given 14 days to correct this.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority continues to monitor the salvage operation with an onboard inspector and is coordinating next steps with the shipping company and flag state.
The NCL Salten operates under charter by North Sea Container Line on a feeder route along the Norwegian coast, connecting Rotterdam and Hamburg. The vessel is owned by Waterway Shipping and managed by Baltnautic Shipmanagement, both registered in Lithuania. The companies have acknowledged the severity of the incident and are actively involved in the ongoing response.
