Fire-Hit Oil Tanker To Transfer 300,000 Barrels Of Naphtha Cargo To A Safe Location

Hafnia, the operator of the fire-damaged oil tanker Hafnia Nile, is currently in discussions with Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) to safely transfer the vessel’s naphtha cargo to a safe location, according to a statement provided by the MPA on July 24, 2024.

On July 19, 2024, the Singapore-flagged Hafnia Nile collided with the Sao Tome and Principe-flagged Ceres I, catching fire around 55 kilometers (35 miles) northeast of Singapore’s Pedra Branca Island.

The Hafnia Nile, a Panamax tanker chartered by Spanish energy company Cepsa, was transporting approximately 300,000 barrels of naphtha, a raw material for petrochemicals acquired by Japanese refiner Eneos.

Following the collision, Hafnia reported that a team of experts is inspecting the damaged portions of the tanker, which remains connected to tugs in Malaysian waters.

Initial inspections found engine room damage on the Hafnia Nile and a light oil sheen leaking from the affected area.

A salvage team has since boarded the vessel and transferred equipment from one of the tugs there to contain and stop any localized seepage.

Hafnia is working with Malaysia Marine Department (MMD) and Singapore’s MPA to develop a towage plan for the vessel and determine a location for the cargo transfer and repairs.

Video Credits: Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia/Facebook

The tanker is currently located about 100 kilometers from Singapore, where Hafnia is also organizing a cleanup effort.

The incident occurred within Singapore’s search and rescue region, which extends beyond the country’s waterways and borders several neighbouring countries, including Malaysia.

The incident is being investigated by the Malaysian and Singaporean officials.

The 22 crewmembers onboard the Hafnia Nile were rescued by the Republic of Singapore navy vessel RSN Supreme and returned to Singapore.

Meanwhile, Malaysian officials detained the Sao Tome and Principe-registered Ceres I on July 21, 2024, a day after it went dark, by turning off its AIS transponder and departing the accident scene towed by two tugboats.

Maritime Malaysia and the Malaysian Marine Department will conduct further investigations into the incident following the detention of Ceres I.

On July 23, a fifth tug with deep sea towing capacity arrived at the site, joining four other tugs with oil response and firefighting capabilities.

Hafnia and MPA are currently discussing a safe site for the cargo transfer and developing towage plans for the damaged vessel.

Reference: Reuters

Fire-Hit Oil Tanker To Transfer 300,000 Barrels Of Naphtha Cargo To A Safe Location appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News