German Ship Cornelia Leaves the Twin Ports

Ship Leaves After Being Anchored for Over Six Weeks

After weeks of being stuck in the port, the German ship Cornelia has finally sailed.  

The Cornelia had been anchored off shore from Duluth for over 6 weeks while being investigated for alleged violations of U.S Environmental Regulations related to the discharge of oily water.

“A lot of players, a lot of personnel multiple countries had to participate in the investigation so it took an awfully long time,” said Adele Yorde, the Public Relations Director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.

Where the alleged discharge occurred has not been reported, but according to the Duluth Seaway Port of Authority, it was not in the Twin Ports

“They reached an agreement with the owner operators to be able to release the vessel so it could continue on its’ way out the great lakes St. Lawrence seaway, while they are wrapping up the final details of the investigation,” said Yorde. 

In the past ships have sat at anchor for a few days, but the length of time that the Cornelia had been anchored was unusual.  The port of Authority says they received over a hundred calls regarding the ship.

“It was really heartwarming to hear calls from just the general public, can I bake Christmas cookies? Can I deliver fruit and vegetables, what do they need? And I had to remind everybody that these are international vessels, the mariners are accustomed to being at sea,” said Yorde. 

The Cornelia came back in to the dock to refuel and re-stock their food supply before leaving.