Salvage & Towage Services - Operations Reference List 2016
- Products Tanker "SPOTTAIL"
On 1 November 2016, the Products Tanker "SPOTTAIL" (GT 40,975 – DWT 74,997) on passage from Singapore to Sri Lanka, in ballast condition, ran aground on the north coast of Pulau Takong Besar, Indonesia. The port authority of Batam claimed reef and fish farm damage.
On 2 November, Tsavliris Salvage were contracted to provide salvage services. Personnel, crafts and equipment were dispatched i.e. two tugs ("Sumber Harbour" and "Sumber Z Marine" – BHP 3,200 –BP 45 each), a diving boat (with diving team in situ) and a salvage master.
On 5 November underwater inspection of the starboard side was undertaken. At the same time naval architects were working with ballast/de-ballast sequences, trim and stability calculations. The vessel remained aground with two tugs and the diving support vessel in the near vicinity. The 2,175 MT of fuel oil and 103 MT of diesel oil were transferred to the after part of the vessel.
The refloating plan was prepared and was submitted for approval.
On 8 November the vessel was successfully refloated with the assistance of tugs in combination with a ballast/de-ballast operation and proceeded to Nipa anchorage where both tugs were released.
On 9 November an underwater inspection (witnessed by class, insurers and owners' representatives) was carried out and on 10 November another diving inspection was arranged to determine the condition of the grounding site seabed.
The salvage services were successfully terminated on 10 November, without any coral reef damage or pollution having occurred.
- Bulk Carrier "MINOAN COURAGE"
On 19 October 2016, Tsavliris dispatched salvage tug "SALVAGE TITAN" (BHP 9,200 – BP 117 T) from Kaohsiung to the assistance of Bulk Carrier "MINOAN COURAGE" (GT 40,014 – DWT 76,801) fully laden with soya beans, immobilised due to main engine breakdown in bad weather conditions (approaching typhoon "HAIMA"), in the South China Sea, approx. 50 miles south-east of Shantou, China. On 20 October the salvage tug "SALVAGE TITAN" arrived at casualty's position. The power of "MINOAN COURAGE" had been partly restored and escort services commenced. On 21 October the power of the casualty was fully restored and the "SALVAGE TITAN" demobilised. On the same day the "MINOAN COURAGE" proceeded towards her destination under her own power.
- VLCC "ARMADA ULYSSES"
The Crude Oil Tanker (VLCC) "ARMADA ULYSSES" (GT 160.036 – DWT 310.137, employed as a bunker storage vessel while anchored off Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia, was laden with 221,000 MT of fuel oil. On 9 October 2016 the vessel sustained sudden internal leakage from cargo tanks to double bottom tanks.
Tsavliris Salvage was contracted to provide salvage assistance and on 12 October a salvage team (consisting of project manager, naval architect, salvage master, salvage officer and salvage engineer) arrived at the casualty from Greece, Holland and Singapore. Local Malaysian agent was appointed to arrange "DSL permits" for the salvage equipment to be transferred on board as the vessel did not have port clearance/free pratique.
On 13 October, 44,464 MT of cargo was STS transferred to receiving tanker "NISSOS KYTHNOS". With extra capacity available, the cargo was transferred internally from the affected tank No.4.
All cargo/ballast operations were within loadmaster sea conditions.
Prior to the next parcel discharge, the vessel required refueling which was not allowed at the specific anchorage position; therefore the owners requested approval from classification society and MPA for a voyage to Singapore. On 15 October, shifting was approved by all parties and the "ARMADA ULYSSES" sailed from Pelepas Titanium anchorage to Singapore eastern bunker anchorage B. An antipollution vessel was berthed alongside the vessel, whilst the salvage equipment arrived on board after refueling was completed.
A salvage plan was submitted and after two meetings with all parties concerned, it was decided that the vessel could remain at bunker anchorage B for a dive inspection. Upon receipt of the underwater inspection report by the MPA, casualty shifted to Raffles reserve anchorage for tank cleaning, inspections and repairs. On 19 October Tsavliris team and equipment demobilised.
- Chemical /Products Tanker “ELKA GLORY”
On 28 September 2016, the salvage tug "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" (BHP 9,600 –TBP 121) was dispatched from her permanent salvage station at Ponta Delgada, Azores, to the assistance of the Chemical/Products Tanker "ELKA GLORY" (GT 27,612 – DWT 44,598), fully laden with 42,000 MT of ultra-low sulfur diesel, immobilised about 1,000 miles west of Ponta Delgada due to stern tube leakage.
On 1 October the "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" arrived at the casualty's position and commenced escorting towards the discharging port Pembroke, UK. Subsequently, stern tube leakage deteriorated and the ship's master requested towage connection.
However, due to prevailing adverse weather conditions (wind WNW 7B and heavy swell) the "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" stood by the casualty awaiting weather improvement.
On 2 October, both wind and swell abated, tow connection was established and towage to Pembroke commenced at an average speed of 5 knots.
On 5 October, due to severe weather conditions (wind S 8-9B), the tug master altered course and reduced speed to avoid damages to tug and tow. During the evening weather conditions improved, the speed was increased up to 5,5 knots and the course was adjusted towards Pembroke.
On 7 October, following owners' instructions, the tug master altered course to a new destination, Gibraltar, for STS operation. Towage to Gibraltar continued at an average speed of 6 knots in favorable weather conditions. On 16 October the convoy arrived safely at Gibraltar eastern anchorage and the "ELKA GLORY" anchored with the assistance of two port tugs. The "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" disconnected her towline and remained at anchor nearby the casualty providing standby services. On 23 October the "ELKA GLORY" was towed by the "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" to inner Gibraltar anchorage "N1" and anchored with the assistance of two port tugs. On 17 October cargo STS operation commenced and the "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" berthed alongside the "ELKA GLORY" to provide standby and safety services. The STS operation was completed on 25 October and the "ELKA GLORY" was towed by the "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" to Setubal for dry docking. The convoy arrived safely at her destination on 29 October, the "ELKA GLORY" was delivered to port tugs for shifting to dry dock and the "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" was released.
- Bulk Carrier "GEORGIA T"
On 24 June the tugboats "ARGENTINO I" (BHP 3,400 – TBP 42) and "TUMBADOR" (BHP 3,380 – TBP 45) were dispatched from Rosario, Argentina to the assistance of bulk carrier "GEORGIA T" (GT 43,975 – DWT 80,416) disabled at anchor at KM 268 Rio Parana.
Escort services commenced on 25 June (with towlines connected) and were completed on the same day when the convoy safely arrived at Zona Comun anchorage, Argentina.
- Passenger (Cruise) Ship "BLACK WATCH"
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On 1 July 2016 the ST "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" (BHP 9,600 – 121 TBP) was dispatched from her permanent salvage station at Ponta Delgada, Azores Island, to the assistance of Passenger (Cruise) ship "BLACK WATCH" (GT 28,613) with 696 passengers and a crew of 365 on board. The vessel was immobilised due to generators' fire about 250 miles south east of Ponta Delgada.
The "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" escorted the vessel towards her destination Funchal/Madeira. The services were completed on 2 July and
"TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" was demobilized, arriving at Ponta Delgada on 3 July. - M/Y "EMOTION"
On 20 August 2016 the TB "HERMES I" (1,500 BHP – 20 TBP) was dispatched to the assistance of Motor Yacht "EMOTION" (LOA 22 M – type PRINCESS 72 Y - built 2012), disabled due to engine problem about 70 miles west of Cephalonia island.
On the same day the towline connection was established and towage to port of Patras commenced.
On 21 August the convoy arrived safely at Patras and the "EMOTION" was berthed alongside with the assistance of "HERMES I".
- Bulk Carrier "SILVERSTAR"
On 12 August 2016 the AHT "FAIRMOUNT SHERPA" (16,320 BHP – 2015 TBP) was dispatched to the assistance of Bulk Carrier "SILVERSTAR" (GT 19,731 – DWT 31,762), in ballast condition, immobilised due to mechanical failure in Malacca Straits, 180 miles north-west of Port Kelang, Malaysia, whilst on passage from Bangladesh to Singapore.
The casualty was drifting south-east at 1-1,3 knots towards shallows, distant
20-25 miles. Apparently, the casualty was a dead ship, without generators, unable to operate windlass. A salvage team from the "FAIRMOUNT SHERPA" boarded the casualty by rescue boat to assist her crew with the tow connection and towage commenced later on the same day.
On 17 August the port tug "STAR VOYAGER" (5,000 BHP – 60 TBP) was dispatched and connected to the casualty's stern in order to assist (as a steering tug) in the WBG-A anchorage to approach. Pilots boarded both "FAIRMOUNT SHERPA" and "SILVERSTAR" and the convoy proceeded towards ASSPU anchorage. During the transit, a port tug was connected to the casualty bow while the "FAIRMOUNT SHERPA" was disconnected.
The "SILVERSTAR", assisted by three port tugs, proceeded, after Customs clearance, to the Paxocean Shipyard and was delivered to her owners where upon salvage services terminated.
- Bulk Carrier "ARCTURUS"
On 5 August 2016 the T/B "ONA DON LORENZO" (4,500 BHP – 62 TBP) was mobilized together with Tsavliris' Salvage Master from Rosario to the assistance of Bulk Carrier "ARCTURUS" (GT 40,008 – DWT 78397) grounded at 150 km mark, Parana Bravo river, Argentina.
During the incident the vessel, was on passage from Nueva Palmira, Uruguay to European ports (Spain/Portugal) via Paranagua, Brazil, laden with 44,000 tonnes of Paraguayan soya beans in bulk.
On 6 August the Salvage Master boarded the vessel and upon completion of all relevant inspections and granting of permission by the Coast Guard, refloating attempts commenced with the assistance of "ONA DON LORENZO" and the ship's engine.
On 7 August the vessel was successfully refloated and proceeded to anchorage for classification and Coast Guards inspections. Upon completion of all necessary procedures, the Salvage Master disembarked and the tugboat demobilized to Buenos Aires.
The successful salvage operation terminated on 7 August.
- Bulk Carrier "ALKIMOS HERACLES"
On 25 February 2016, Tsavliris Salvage mobilized the tug "Ona Don Lorenzo" (5,500 BHP – 62 TBP) from Buenos Aires, Argentina to the assistance of the Bulk Carrier "ALKIMOS HERACLES" (GRT 43,007, DWT 81,992) partly laden with 50,000 tons of iron ore, grounded at KM 27, Canal Punta Indio.
Later on that day, the vessel refloated by own means, whereupon the tug was instructed to return to Buenos Aires.
"ALKIMOS HERACLES" proceeded to Recalada outer anchorage for routine inspection by the Coast Guard.
- Motor Tanker "KRITI AMBER"
On 15 February 2016 Tsavliris mobilised the AHTS "Resolve Earl" (12,000 BHP – 135 TBP) from Freeport Bahamas to the assistance of the Motor Tanker "KRITI AMBER" (GRT 31,330 – DWT 45,614) fully laden with crude oil, immobilised due to engine problems about 13 n.m. south of Sombrero Key, Florida USA.
On 16 February, the "Resolve Earl" arrived at casualty's position and towage to Matanzas Cuba commenced.
On 17 February the convoy safely arrived at Matanzas (outside of Cuban territorial waters) and the tow was delivered to port tugs.
The "Resolve Earl" was released and arrived at Freeport on 18 February.
- Motor Vessel "OCEAN GLORY"
On 11 January 2016 the Tsavliris S/T "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" (6,250 BHP – 73 TBP) sailed from her Piraeus salvage station to the assistance of the M/V "OCEAN GLORY" (4,123 GR – 6,036 DWT) fully laden with urea, immobilized due to mechanical problem 200 nautical miles northwest of Benghazi, Libya.
On 13 January the S/T "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" arrived at casualty's position, established towage connection and towage towards Greece commenced.
The convoy arrived safely at Piraeus roads on 15 January and the tow was delivered to port tugs.
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