Euronav says VLCC Alex still safely aground
Saturday, April 29 2017 - 04:31 AM WIB
US-listed Belgian Tanker company Euronav Ship Management, ISM reported on Friday that its 299,446 DWT Very Large Carrier (VLCC) MT Alex is still safely aground at the same position between Kalimantan and Sumatra.
The VLCC was involved in a grounding incident on April 12.
Earlier reports said that MT Alex, which is laden with oil, was sailing in the waters between the Borneo and Sumatra on its way to China, when she apparently ran aground on a ?soft mud bottom.
No injuries or pollution have been reported, and the vessel is said to be ?safely aground? in good weather.
Continuous monitoring of the ship's condition has confirmed no breach of hull, cargo containment or mechanical failures, the company said.
Since April 14th the Owners have contracted SMIT Singapore Pte Ltd. and PT Samudera Indonesia to undertake the refloating operation which will include lightening of the vessel by ship to ship transfer of cargo.
Various inspections and surveys including an assessment of the ship's hull damage by Class have been completed.
On April 27ththe Indonesian Authorities approved the proposed ship refloating plan and provided a permit for the lightening operation to be performed.
According to the current tentative schedule the lightening operation will start on May 1st, expecting the ship to be refloated by May 4th, the company said.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak