How does a 135-meter cargo ship end up in someone’s backyard?
In the early hours of 22 May 2025, residents of Byneset, a tranquil peninsula near Trondheim, Norway, were jolted awake—not by an alarm clock, but by the sight of the massive container ship NCL Salten resting uninvited in a local’s garden. The vessel had veered off course, narrowly missing a home by mere meters, and grounded itself on the shore. The incident, while causing no injuries, has sparked discussions about maritime safety and the importance of vigilant navigation.
The Incident: A Maritime Wake-Up Call
At approximately 5:30 a.m., the NCL Salten, a 135-meter-long container ship, ran aground in the Trondheimsfjord, coming to a halt just meters from Johan Helberg’s residence. Helberg, blissfully unaware of his new front-yard attraction, was alerted by a neighbor who had witnessed the ship’s unexpected detour. “I had to bend my neck to see the top of it. It was so unreal,” Helberg recounted.
Investigations revealed that the ship’s second officer, who was on duty alone at the time, had fallen asleep, leading to the vessel’s deviation from its course. Prosecutors have charged the officer with negligent navigation, emphasizing the potential risks posed by such lapses in attention.
Environmental and Structural Impact
Remarkably, the grounding resulted in no injuries among the 16 crew members and no oil spills were reported. However, the ship’s proximity to residential areas raised concerns. A minor landslide was triggered near the grounding site, and a heating pipe in Helberg’s cabin was damaged. Authorities are conducting geotechnical assessments to evaluate any further risks to the surrounding area.
Salvage Operations and Company Response
Efforts to refloat the NCL Salten were initially unsuccessful. It wasn’t until 27 May that the vessel was successfully pulled back into open water and towed to the nearby harbor of Orkanger. The shipping company, North Sea Container Line (NCL), has stated its full cooperation with ongoing investigations and is reviewing its safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
A Community’s Reaction
The residents of Byneset have taken the incident in stride, with a mix of humor and relief. Helberg, reflecting on the surreal experience, remarked, “It’s a very bulky new neighbor, but it will soon go away.” The community’s response underscores the resilience and good-natured spirit of those living along Norway’s picturesque fjords.
“I had to bend my neck to see the top of it. It was so unreal.”
— Johan Helberg, Byneset resident
