Euronav Arranges Salvage Ops for Grounded Tanker

zoomIllustration; Image Courtesy: Euronav Euronav’s crude oil tanker M/T Alex, which ran aground on April 12, could soon be freed as the ships managers hired two salvage firms to undertake the ships refloating operation. Namely, Euronav Ship Management agreed with SMIT Singapore Pte Ltd. and PT Samudera Indonesia to carry out the salvage works which will include lightening of the vessel by ship to ship transfer of cargo. Following the tankers grounding on a soft mud bottom while sailing between Borneo and Sumatra, continuous monitoring of its condition has confirmed no breach of hull, cargo containment, or mechanical failures, according to Euronav. The company said that the 299,446 dwt ship is still safely aground at the same position, where it ran into trouble while it was on its way to Ningbo, China. Following meetings with the Indonesian Authorities, the necessary arrangements for antipollution, fire-fighting and security at the site were agreed on April 17. Euronav said that permission to start a diving survey was granted and is underway, while tank inspection with the presence of Class surveyor has been planned for April 19. The ship’s managers earlier informed that no injuries or pollution have been reported.