A container vessel operated by Icelandic shipping company EIMSKIP, the Dettifoss, began drifting in the North Atlantic after experiencing a main engine failure.

The incident occurred on July 9, while the Dettifoss was en route from Reykjavík to Nuuk, Greenland. At the time of the breakdown, the vessel was approximately 390 miles southwest of Iceland.

According to EIMSKIP, weather conditions in the area were calm, and there was no immediate danger to the crew or the vessel. The Icelandic Coast Guard dispatched its vessel Freyja to provide assistance. Freyja is expected to reach the Dettifoss on the evening of July 11 and will tow the ship back to Reykjavík for repairs.

EIMSKIP stated that the vessel was carrying cargo bound for Greenland, and customers are being informed of the situation. The company added that repair work is expected to begin promptly once the Dettifoss returns to Reykjavík, with the vessel likely to resume regular operations next week.

The Dettifoss, which sails under the flag of the Faroe Islands, is one of EIMSKIP’s newest and largest vessels. Built by CSSC Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard (Huangpu Wenchong) in China, the ship was delivered in 2020. It measures 180 meters in length, has a capacity of 2,150 TEU, and a deadweight tonnage of 25,690 DWT. It is equipped for North Atlantic operations, including ice class certification and compliance with the Polar Code, which is required for navigation near Greenland.

The vessel’s main engine delivers 17,000 kW (approximately 23,000 horsepower) and meets Tier III emission standards. It is also fitted with a scrubber system to reduce sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions and is designed to minimize nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, making it more environmentally friendly.

The Dettifoss is jointly operated by EIMSKIP and Royal Arctic Line of Greenland. Its regular route includes ports in Aarhus (Denmark), Helsingborg (Sweden), Bremen (Germany), the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland.

EIMSKIP, headquartered in Reykjavík, offers transportation services across the North Atlantic, focusing on containerized and refrigerated cargo. The company also provides international freight forwarding services, with particular expertise in handling frozen and chilled goods.