Wrecked Bulker OS 35 Successfully Raised From Waters Near Gibraltar

In a significant development for the marine industry, the Government of Gibraltar announced yesterday the successful removal of the cargo ship ‘OS 35’ wreck, which had been stranded in the waters of the Strait, west of Gibraltar, since August 30, 2022. The operation to extract the vessel from the water was meticulously executed and concluded on Monday, marking a major milestone in the salvage efforts.

The Gibraltar Maritime Authority has confirmed that the two fragmented sections of the wreck, resulting from the ship’s breakup, have been safely loaded onto the semi-submersible vessel ‘Fjord.’ This verification ensures that the removal process was effectively executed, providing a crucial step toward resolving the incident. Inspections of the seabed at the wreck site have already commenced to ensure thorough clearance of the area, indicating a proactive approach towards environmental protection.

However, the extraction of the wreck sections has resulted in the release of debris, including heavy oil, onto the protective boom deployed around the vessel. Gibraltar authorities are actively working to address this challenge, with ongoing efforts to clean up the debris within the enclosed area bounded by the boom. Furthermore, measures are being taken to manage the slick that has extended beyond the perimeter of the boom, emphasizing the commitment to mitigate any potential environmental impact.

As part of the salvage operation, the vessel ‘Fjord’ is expected to remain within Gibraltarian waters for a few weeks. During this time, the hull sections will undergo necessary repairs and be securely fastened in preparation for their voyage to the final decommissioning site in the Netherlands. This meticulous approach ensures that the hull sections are adequately prepared for safe transportation, reducing potential risks during the journey.

Minister for the Port, Vijay Daryanani, expressed delight at reaching this crucial milestone and conveyed gratitude to all those involved in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safe and environmentally responsible departure of the OS 35 from Gibraltar’s waters. The successful transfer of the hull sections onto the semi-submersible vessel ‘Fjord’ signifies progress towards resolving the incident.

The incident, which began on August 30, 2022, involved the OS 35, a 35,000 deadweight tonnage bulker registered in Tuvalu, colliding with the anchored Adam LNG tanker. The collision resulted in the sinking of the OS 35 and initiated a complex salvage operation that spanned ten months. The successful lifting of the wrecked bulker’s hull sections brings the incident to a close, providing closure and a stepping stone toward complete resolution.

The conclusion of the salvage operation demonstrates the industry’s commitment to safety, environmental protection, and efficient maritime operations. It highlights the expertise, coordination, and dedication of the Gibraltar authorities, salvage teams, and stakeholders involved in ensuring the successful removal of the wrecked vessel. The marine industry recognizes the importance of prompt and effective responses to such incidents to maintain the integrity of shipping operations and protect marine ecosystems.

The successful completion of the salvage operation for the ‘OS 35’ wreck is a significant example of collaboration, expertise, and commitment in the maritime industry. It showcases the importance of proactive measures to safeguard marine environments and reinforces the resolve to minimize potential environmental risks associated with incidents at sea.

Reference: The Diplomat, Safety4Sea

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Source: Maritime Shipping News