Grounded Kea Trader Splits in Half

zoomIllustration; Image Courtesy: Ardent Global The grounded containership Kea Trader developed a crack and split on the Durand Reef over the weekend, according to New Caledonias government. The ship split in half due to inclement weather conditions off New Caledonia. The officials informed that the ships nine crewmembers, who were on board at the time, were safely evacuated. Although the heavy fuel oil was earlier pumped out of the 2017-built boxship, which ran aground on the Durand Reef on July 12, authorities reported traces of pollution from residual quantities of hydrocarbons at the site. Additionally, two containers from the ship fell into the water following Kea Traders movements. The government informed that 102 containers of the original 756 units now remain on board. Kea Traders owner Lomar Shipping said that it still plans to remove the containership from the reef, however, a new salvage plan needs to be developed. Relevant authorities are currently evaluating the vessel, and a new salvage plan would later be devised. The owner earlier said that the constant, heavy movement of the sea, even in good weather, affected Kea Trader causing further damage, weakening the ships hull, and frustrating the re-floating operations on site. A rare ideal weather window and high tide allowed recovery teams to attempt an accelerated re-floating operation in early October. This failed to dislodge the vessel and merely pivoted it by 60 degrees, with the rudder remaining firm in the same position. World Maritime News Staff