TSAVLIRIS SALVAGE GROUP - News & Announcements

Bulk Carrier "EDELWEISS" - 2020 Apr 12

On 23 December 2019, the Bulk Carrier "EDELWEISS" (GT 40,160 – DWT 73,800), loaded with 71,627 tonnes of Indonesian steam coal, ran aground about 200 miles from Taboneo, Indonesia.  During the incident the vessel was on a voyage from Taboneo, Indonesia to Yeosu, South Korea, with about 1,500 tonnes bunkers onboard.
Tsavliris were contracted to provide salvage assistance.

On 2 January 2020, the salvage tug "NAKULA" arrived with supplies and members of the salvage team who ascertained that there was no water ingress. On 11 January the weather deteriorated (cyclonic effect) and the vessel turned some 5 degrees in her heading. The salvage team introduced ballast by way of tanks No. 2,3 and 4 in order to stabilise the casualty's condition. The salvage tug "WINPOSH RAMPART" which was intended to tow the crane barge "SSE JEROME", was ordered to the casualty site. The "SSE JEROME" was towed by the AHTS "ENA UNICORN", to the casualty site, via Kotabaru, where armed guards boarded on 24 January. The "SSE JEROME" arrived at the casualty's position on 2 February and berthed alongside the starboard side of the vessel. According to the salvage plan, off-loading part of the cargo onto barges for lightering and refloating commenced. On the same day, a dive survey confirmed that the sea bed consisted of sand, clay and soft rocks and the vessel was grounded by way of all her length except the aft part. Her rudder and propeller were free. After numerous further refloating attempts, the vessel moved approximately 30 meters.

On 9 March 2020, the 10-week salvage operation was completed successfully.