Question about tracking merchant ships

[Slowboathome]

I've been tracking a cargo ship as it works its way round Europe and Scandanavia. I've notice that it will sometimes turn around, mid voyage, retrace it's route before turning around and resuming its passage. On another occasion it has executed a wide arc in the middle of the North Sea - not going round in a circle, but similar.

Why might it be doing this? Is too early for its destination and killing time? Like an aircraft in a holding pattern?

[LimaDelta]

Man overboard drills?

[Slowboathome]

Yes, maybe. They seem to be doing it every day though which seems a bit OTT. Having said that, I can't think of any other explanation.