Port Oostende removes shipwrecks from the canal Oostende - Brugge

Last year Port Oostende started the procedure to remove two shipwrecks from the canal Oostende - Brugge. The yachts, called Albatros and Viking II, have been in very poor condition for more than 10 years and as a result of this the safety and the environment of the canal have been compromised.

Both ships are no longer certified. That is why last spring the owners were kindly asked to remove the shipwrecks. After a reminder letter, this request has so far not been acted upon.

Large holes were found in the hull of the Albatross which threatened to sink the old yacht. Therefore, on 9 November 2019 the Albatros was taken out of the water by Port Oostende under the supervision of a bailiff. The wreck is now on quay 740. At the beginning of March 2020, the second ship will also be hoisted out of the water by Port Oostende. The Viking II has been out of service for a long time and can only be towed or taken to a shipyard. For both ships the salvage costs will be reclaimed from the owners.

The canal Oostende-Brugge is situated in the port area of Port Oostende. The Flemish ports along the Belgian coast are not intended to function as a permanent berth for houseboats or pleasure craft.

This action of Port Oostende is an application of the port regulations, chapter 3, article 103:
"When the vessel has sunk or is in danger of sinking, when it has been insufficiently moored and in such a way as to endanger the construction, the harbour master, or his delegates or appointees, is authorized to impose on the skipper or captain such measures as he deems necessary, even those which are not provided for in these regulations. If the master or skipper is unable immediately to carry out the measures imposed, the harbour master or his delegates or appointees may have them carried out at the expense and risk of the vessel.

Port Oostende focuses on continuity, growth and employment within five pillars: Blue Economy, Bulk & Project Cargo, Cruises & Ferry, Circular Industry and the Fisheries sector. These sectors are further expanded on the basis of two foundations: prioritizing safety, health and the environment and second supporting innovation and development.