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Barges remain stuck without obstructing traffic
Various authorities consulted with the shipowner and master of the 'Century' on Dec 8 to discuss the next steps. The water level of the river was initially expected to rise significantly within the next 24 hours; but the rise was now expected to be postponed. The vessels were not obstructing other shipping, so the urgency was not considered high. The 'Century' remained firmly stuck as of Dec 10. The fairway, in which the ship was sailing,was being planned to be deepened to allow for a draft of 2.10 meters throughout. Currently, only a draft of 1.90 meters is available in certain locations. However, the start of the work could still take several years.
Barge combination refloated after lightering
The 'Century' was finally refloated on Dec 11, 2025, at approximately 2:45 p.m. Under the direction of the Rhine Waterways and Shipping Authority, a part of the cargo of gravel were lightered, and several attempts were undertaken to refloat the barge combination. During the operation, shipping traffic in the affected section of the Rhine had to be temporarily completely closed and monitored by the water police from Rüdesheim, Wiesbaden, and Mainz. The early onset of darkness as well as periods of dense fog, hampered the work. After the salvage operation was completed and the vessel's operational readiness was checked, the 'Century' was able to resume its journey under its own power.
Grounded barge to be lightered
Despite frantic attempts to pull the 'Century' from a shallow in the Rhine near Oestrich, the ship, loaded with gravel, remained stuck. The inland vessel 'Oleander' managed to move the 'Century' somewhat on Dec 10, but could not free the 190-meter-long barge combination. Because the water level had been expected to rise by about half a meter over the weekend after the grounding, it had initally been decided to wait and see. The highest water level was reached on Dec 10, after which it was expected to drop again. Now the 'Oleander', en route to Dordrecht, was called in, and the Rhine was closed for the salvage work at 10 a.m.. The towboat 'Pilot' also provided assistance. Although the barge combination moved a few times, it repeatedly became stuck again. It was then decided that the crane vessel 'Bison' would take over part of the 'Century's cargo. The 'Oleander' then continued her journey, while the 'Pilot' of Van de Lücht Charterliner departed for her home port of Oestrich-Winkel. The Rhine was reopened around5 p.m. On the morning of Dec 11 it was so foggy that a large-scale operation was not possible. Around noon, the situation remained unchanged. At that time, the 'Bison' and the 'Pilot' were still moored near the 'Century'. The barge was still coupled with the 'Century II'.
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