On 5 January 2026, at around 10:00 (local time), a marine incident involving the cargo vessel FRIENDLAND (flag State: Latvia, IMO 9246906) occurred in the territory of the Freeport of Riga, at Mangaļsala.
According to preliminary information, while departing berth MS-10 and executing a turning manoeuvre towards berth MS-13, the vessel experienced an unexpected shutdown of its main engine. As a result of this technical failure, the vessel’s port aft section collided with the reinforced concrete structure of the berth. The collision caused damage to the berth structure, and partial damage to the vessel was also identified.
Following the incident, at around 10:40, the vessel was safely moored at the Freeport of Riga at berth MS-12/13. No injuries were reported and no environmental threat was identified.
Investigators of the Marine Accident Investigation Division of the Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau proceeded to the site of the incident. After conducting an inspection and obtaining statements and information from the vessel’s crew and representatives of the shipping company, a decision was taken to initiate a safety investigation.
The purpose of the safety investigation is to establish the causes and circumstances of the incident and to develop recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The investigation is not conducted for the purpose of determining fault or liability.