MV Pelagitis and the Risks of Ro-Ro Vessel Operations

MV Pelagitis was a Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo ship that sank in 2012, resulting in significant environmental damage and loss of life. The incident highlighted the risks associated with Ro-Ro vessel operations.

Ro-Ro vessels transport vehicles and other large machinery on ramps that can be driven onto and off the ship. This design makes them particularly vulnerable to rough seas and strong winds, as seen in the case of MV Pelagitis.

MV Pelagitis was carrying a cargo of vehicles and machinery when it encountered severe weather conditions, leading to its eventual sinking.

A fresh viewpoint: Shipping Cargo Container

The MV Pelagitis has been involved in a couple of notable incidents.

In November 2024, a fire broke out in the cabin area of the ship while it was docked at the port of Keratsini. The fire was quickly extinguished by the Fire Service, and no marine pollution was observed.

The crew was safely evacuated by officials from the Port Authority, and one sailor was taken to the hospital after feeling unwell. The ship was banned from sailing until a certificate of seaworthiness was presented by the classifier monitoring it.

The MV Pelagitis was also involved in a collision with the bulk carrier 'Paradise Island' in the Aegean Sea in September 2022. Both ships suffered minor damages but were able to drop anchor at Karystos Bay.

The cabin fire on the MV Pelagitis was a serious incident that occurred on November 11, 2024.

The fire broke out in the accommodation cabins in the forward part of the ship, which was docked at pier C1 of the port of Keratsini.

The Port Authority officials rushed to the scene and safely evacuated the ship's crew.

One sailor felt unwell and was taken to a hospital by private vehicle.

The Fire Service attended the scene with four vehicles and extinguished the fire.

Fortunately, no marine pollution was observed from the incident.

The Aegean Sea Collision occurred on September 21, 2022, at around 9 p.m. UTC.

The 'Pelagitis' was en route from Piraeus to Chios with four passengers and 21 crew members on board.

The 'Pelagitis' had 24 vehicles on board.

The 'Pelagitis' collided with the bulk carrier 'Paradise Island' in the Kafirea Strait.

The 'Paradise Island' was en route from Providence to Aliaga with 21 crew members on board.

Both ships were sailing roughly in a northeastern direction.

Both ships suffered minor damages.

The ships were ordered to drop anchor at Karystos Bay.

The 'Pelagitis' was moored in position 37° 59.23' N 024° 25.21' E on September 22 at around 9 a.m.

The 'Paradise Island' was moored in position 37° 58.13' N 024° 25.86' E on September 22 at around 9 a.m.

Recommended read: List of White Star Line Ships

The MV Pelagitis is a Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel, a type of ship that carries wheeled cargo, such as cars and trucks, on its deck.

Ro-Ro vessels like the MV Pelagitis have a bow door that opens to allow vehicles to drive on and off the ship.

The MV Pelagitis has a cargo capacity of 5,500 lane meters, which is the equivalent of 550 standard-sized trailers.

Ro-Ro vessels are designed to operate in a variety of weather conditions, including rough seas and strong winds.

The MV Pelagitis typically travels at a speed of 22 knots, making it one of the fastest vessels in its class.

The ship's cargo deck is equipped with ramps and cranes to facilitate the loading and unloading of vehicles.