The Dutch cargo ship Thamesborg has successfully navigated Canada’s Northwest Passage for the first time since it ran aground on an uncharted shoal along the route last year. The ship passed just a few nautical miles from where the incident occurred.
The 172-meter (564-foot) vessel, operated by Wagenborg, set off from Matane, Quebec, on August 8 and is expected to reach Onsan, South Korea, by September 3, according to tracking data. The journey through the Northwest Passage took about five days, from August 13 to August 18.
During this voyage, Thamesborg transited through Franklin Strait, where it had run aground on September 6, 2025, while traveling from China to Baie-Comeau, Quebec. The ship hit an uncharted shoal, which damaged its hull and several ballast tanks, allowing water to enter the ship. Fortunately, there were no injuries or pollution reported from the incident.
AIS tracking data indicates that Thamesborg traveled further east in 2025 compared to its most recent journey. The grounding happened in an area with limited hydrographic survey data, underscoring the difficulties faced by commercial ships in the Canadian Arctic.
The exact reason for the grounding is still being investigated, according to Wagenborg. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada still lists the case as an active investigation.
“While investigations into the Thamesborg incident are ongoing, Wagenborg is dedicated to safe and responsible navigation through the Northwest Passage,” a representative from Wagenborg stated.
“We see every operational challenge as a chance to review our procedures, improve our training, and expand our understanding in this fragile environment.”
The 2025 grounding led to a complicated month-long salvage operation in one of the most remote regions of the Canadian Arctic. Over 5,000 tons of Thamesborg's cargo, which consisted of industrial carbon blocks, were transferred to the vessels Silver Copenhagen and Nunalik to lighten the ship. Specialized equipment was later brought in aboard the icebreaker Botnica to pump water out of the damaged ballast tanks and assist in refloating the vessel.
Thamesborg was refloated in early October and left the Arctic under its own power, accompanied by Botnica and the tug Beverly M I. The convoy arrived in Baie-Comeau later that month, where the remaining cargo was unloaded. After that, Thamesborg crossed the Atlantic by itself, accompanied by Boskalis’ anchor-handling vessel Princess, and reached a Turkish shipyard in December for repairs.
“We take every Arctic voyage seriously, meticulously preparing and collaborating with Canadian authorities and local stakeholders throughout the journey,” Wagenborg added.
The 2026 Northwest Passage season is shaping up to be busy, especially for expedition vessels. Public schedules indicate that multiple passenger ships are currently operating or getting ready to enter the passage in August, including Seabourn Venture, MS Fridtjof Nansen, Ocean Victory, and others.