Operations List
On 2nd November 2013, bulk carrier "ACHILLEAS" (22,953 GRT, 35,458 DWT), laden with 26,250MT of Argentine extracted hipro soya bean meal in bulk, was disabled following engine room fire about 350 nautical miles SSW of Las Palmas. The incident occurred whilst the vessel was en route from port San Lorenzo (Argentina) to port Lattakia (Syria).
AHT "FAIRMOUNT ALPINE" (16000BHP, 200TBP) was dispatched from Cadiz to render assistance. The M/T "MARIOS" (5000DWT) was contracted to provide stand by services to "ACHILLEAS" until the arrival of "FAIRMOUNT ALPINE".
On the 6th November, "FAIRMOUNT ALPINE" arrived at the casualty's position and commenced towards Europa Point. Once convoy arrived off Ceuta, tow was handed over to S/T "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" (6200BHP, 73TBP) and sailed towards Lattakia.
During the towage from Ceuta towards East Mediterranean convoy experienced extreme weather conditions north of the Algerian Coast resulting in the breaking of the chafing chain and subsequent loss of towline.
The "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" remained standing by and circumstances determined the T/B "FALISCA" (8000BHP-105BP) be contracted. Drifting of the casualty continued towards Galite Island, Tunisia, and was about 1 nautical mile away when ship's master was instructed to prepare both anchors to avoid possible grounding. Casualty anchored and drift halted about 800 metres from rocky coast.
Attempts to connect towline by "FALISCA" failed due to adverse weather conditions. For safety reasons the AHTS "VOS THALASSA" (abt 6000 BHP, 65TBP) was contracted. . The delayed arrival of "VOS THALASSA" occurred on 25th November following which the conditions improved significantly allowing for her towline to be connected. The T/B "FALISCA" was released and towage by "VOS THALASSA" commenced with "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" escorting the convoy.
On the 3rd December, the convoy arrived off South Peloponnese. Provisions were delivered to "ACHILLEAS" by S/T "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" and tow was handed over to her after bunkering.
The convoy arrived at Lattakia on the 15th December and on the same day the "ACHILLEAS" was berthed.
On 23rd December, cargo discharging was successfully completed and towage commenced towards Cyprus. Salvage services were successfully terminated on the 31st December 2013 at Limassol.
On Saturday 30th November 2013, Passenger Cruise "OCEAN COUNTESS" (16,800 GRT, 3062 DWT) sustained an on board fire while safely moored adjacent to motor tanker "HAMILTON" at Chalkis Shipyard. Tug "ALEXANDER 3" and anti-pollution vessel "AEGIS" mobilized from Piraeus to her assistance.
The following day Tsavliris salvage team, T/B "ALEXANDER 3" and "AEGIS" arrived at casualty's position and began combating the fire with "AEGIS" deploying oil booms at the starboard side of the casualty. Local tug "EVRIPOS III" also deployed to provide support services.
The fire was completely extinguished on Saturday 7th December. Tug "ALEXANDER 3" was released on Monday 9th December and anti-pollution vessels "AEGIS" and tug "EVRIPOS III" provided standby services.
On the 17th December bunker/lubricant removal was completed and "AEGIS" cast off from "OCEAN COUNTESS", proceeded to "OCEAN MAJESTY" and transferred the fuel. Upon completing the pumping out of water accumulated due to fire-fighting, the starboard list was corrected and with the vessel safely moored, services were terminated on the 18th December.
On Saturday 30th March our salvage tug "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" proceeded to the assistance of oil/chemical tanker "VARKAN MARMARA" (GRT 3,478 / DWT 4,865), laden with about 3,500 MT of FAME(BIO DIESEL PRODUCT), disabled off the North African Coast.
Towage connection effected on Tuesday 2nd April in adverse weather conditions.
Convoy safely arrived Augusta on Friday 5th April and anchored at inner anchorage.
Containership "HANJIN ITALY" (GT 114,140 - DWT 122,960) laden with 4,500 containers, was involved in a significant collision with "LNG AL GHARRAFA"off Kusu Island, Singapore Straits. As a consequence the vessel sustained hull damages by way of cargo hold No 4 and 5 which in turn led to water ingress, some containers being damaged and others falling off the vessel and landing on the "AL GHARRAFA". Tsavliris was engaged to project manage the anti-pollution services. The operation ended successfully.
On Thursday 23rd May we dispatched salvage tug "TRABAJADOR 1", from Subic Bay, Philippines, to the assistance of Motor Bulk Carrier "NAVIOS MAGELLAN" (39,052 GRT, 74,333 DWT), in ballast, immobilized due to engine problems in the Sulu Sea.
Salvage tug "TRABAJADOR 1" arrived at the casualty's position on Saturday 25th May, connected the towline and commenced towage to Singapore.
Convoy arrived safely at Singapore, off East OPL on the 2nd June. With the assistance of 4 port tugs (tow masters and pilot), casualty was towed to Sembawang Shipyard, where safely redelivered to her owners the same day.
On Sunday 5th May 2013, we dispatched our salvage tug "TSAVLIRIS UNITY", from her Galle (Sri Lanka) salvage station, to the assistance of geared bulk carrier "RIO GOLD" (23,663 GRT, 39,695 DWT), laden with 35,200 MT of cement clinker, grounded on hard rock off South East Preparis Island, Myanmar.
A local naval vessel was dispatched by the authorities to casualty's position to monitor the situation. Tsavliris salvage master arrived on site on Tuesday 7th May and immediately attended meetings with Myanmar Port Authority, SAD (Shipping Agency Department – Government Agency), DMA (Department of Marine Administration) and the Navy, to obtain necessary salvage permits.
On Thursday 9th May, we mobilized AHTS "CONFIDENCE" from Penang for casualty bunkers removal and general services.
On Saturday 11th May, salvage tug "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" arrived alongside in Yangon for permits, stores and embarkation of salvage team.
On Monday 13th May, salvage tug "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" proceeded to casualty's position and connected up. Following connection a refloating attempt was made and was successful with no pollution. "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" went alongside portside of the "RIO GOLD" to provide stand by services and support services. An underwater inspection was performed to ascertain damage. It was found that the casualty had sustained propeller, rudder and extensive hull damage.
AHTS "CONFIDENCE" arrived on Friday 17th May and connected towline to the "RIO GOLD", commencing towage to Lumut, Malaysia.
"TSAVLIRIS UNITY" proceeded to Yangon Port for outward clearance and documentation – arriving on Sunday 19th May.
On Monday 20th May, "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" proceeded to rendezvous position with the convoy and took over the towage of the "RIO GOLD" to Lumut Port, with AHTS "CONFIDENCE" escorting.
Convoy arrived safely and anchored off Lumut port limits on Monday 27th May. Both tugs - the "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" and the "CONFIDENCE" - stood by alongside the casualty awaiting instructions. On Tuesday 28th May, the casualty was shifted with the assistance of port tugs to Lumut outer anchorage. Free pratique was granted for all vessels. The "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" went alongside with the towline connected, whilst the "CONFIDENCE" anchored nearby the casualty.
For the majority of the month of June underwater repairs such as patching and welding of cracks in the fore peak were performed. It was decided on the 5th June that tug "CONFIDENCE" could be demobilized and she was released back to Penang. Fresh water and supplies were delivered to the "RIO GOLD" and to "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" throughout this time. Salvors were not allowed to demobilize by orders of the Port Authorities.
On the 14th June plans were prepared for the voyage of the convoy from Lumut – stores, fuel and lub was ordered for the journey. Following all temporary repairs and preparations the convoy, "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" towing "RIO GOLD", departed on the 29th June to off Horsburgh Light House.
Steering tug "PW IOTA" connected to the casualty on the 30th June. Convoy safely arrived on the 3rd July where "RIO GOLD" dropped anchor about 19 nautical miles East of Horsburgh Light House. Tug "PW IOTA" was released whilst salvage tug "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" went alongside the casualty.
Salvage tug "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" is currently providing stand by services to the "RIO GOLD".
On Thursday 14th February, we dispatched salvage tug "KAMARINA", from her Singapore salvage station, to the assistance of oil products tanker "MAKO" (GT 60,504, DWT 104,000), laden with about 89,000 M/T Murban crude oil, experiencing technical problems and steaming at reduced speed, about 115 nautical miles south of Sunda Straits, Indian Ocean. The casualty required tug assistance/support prior to entering the Sunda Strait.
Motor tug "SWISSCO SUPREME" was also fixed and set sail from Singapore on Monday 18th February to assist in the escort, steering or towage of "MAKO".
"KAMARINA" arrived at rendezvous point on the 18th February and awaited the arrival of the second tug, "SWISSCO SUPREME", in order to proceed to the casualty's position.
Following instructions from "MAKO", the "KAMARINA" proceeded to the casualty's position on the 21st February and arrived the same day. Attempts were made to connect the towline, however bad weather conditions did not allow for this. On the 22nd February, tug "SWISSCO SUPREME" arrived and attempted to connect the towline at the stern of the casualty. Once again due to bad weather it was difficult to connect the towline and once connected the towline parted.
Due to improved weather conditions towlines were connected on the 25th February, i.e. "KAMARINA" connected to the bow and "SWISSCO SUPREME" connected to the stern. Convoy commenced towage to Jakarta where safely arrived on 27th February. Both tugs were released the following day - 28th February.
On Wednesday 30th January, Bulk Carrier "RBD ITALIA" (47,984 GRT – 87,334 DWT), laden with 43.380,86 M/T of grain, grounded at KM 452, Rio Parana, in the vicinity of San Lorenzo. Tsavliris salvage master boarded casualty on the same day. Refloating attempts, by using ship's engine and rudder commenced but with no success.
On the 31st January we contracted tugs "ONA DON LORENZO" and "LUCIANO B" which promptly mobilized from La Plata and Buenos Aires respectively, to the assistance of the casualty.
On the 1st February tugs arrived on scene and attempts to refloat the vessel were immediately undertaken. Local company "OSRO" was engaged to provide anti-pollution services. On the same day vessel was successfully refloated and anchored at San Lorenzo roads.
Both tugs remained alongside providing standby services.
On the 2nd February, mandatory post grounding inspection by the Coastguard and diving inspection on behalf of Class, were performed. Certificate of Safe Delivery was signed and following clearance by the Authorities the vessel sailed same day.
The two tugs demobilized towards Buenos Aires providing shadow escort.
On 12th February, 2012, we dispatched T/B "HERMES" to the assistance of passenger/tourist vessel "DIANA", which was grounded at Drepanon – Rion - Patras. On same day vessel was successfully refloated and safely towed to the northern port of Patras.
On the 9th February, 2012, we dispatched our station keeping salvage tug "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" from Piraeus to the assistance of Bulk Carrier "ALEX KING", following engine failure at position Lat: 37-43.00 N Long: 028-28.00 E, about 5 nautical miles Northeast of Kea Island. On same day S/T "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" arrived at the scene of the casualty and connected the tow line.
Convoy proceeded to Syros anchorage, arrived safely on the 10th February, 2012. S/T "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" provided standby services alongside casualty, and safely redelivered her to her owners on the 13th February, 2012.
On the 18th February, 2012, we dispatched our station keeping salvage tug "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" from Piraeus for the towage of chemical tanker "GERAKI"(19,081 GT, 35,652 DWT), from Psachna, Evoia, to Piraeus. S/T "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" arrived on the 19th February and went alongside "GERAKI" to connect up and await towing permission to be granted.
Towing permission granted by authorities on 20th February, S/T "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" commenced towage as leading tug and T/B "KARAPIPERIS 15" connected to the stern as steering tug. Convoy proceeded to Piraeus. With S/T "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" leading the convoy, they arrived safely on 23rd February. T/B "IFESTOS II" made fast to the stern while "KARAPIPERIS 15" escorted. Chemical tanker "GERAKI" safely arrived at Elefsis anchorage and S/T "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" demobilized to her salvage station at Piraeus.
On Monday 2nd April, 2012, TSAVLIRIS dispatched tugs "DOMINGO B" and "ARGENTINO 1" from Buenos Aires and La Plata respectively, to the assistance of Bulk Carrier "SAMJOHN LIBERTY" (38,846 GRT, 74,761 DWT), laden with 47,240 MT of soya bean meal in bulk, which had grounded at about 290km Rio Parana.
The Coastguard ordered several vessels to remain anchored at Common Zone for as long as the "SAMJOHN LIBERTY" was grounded as she was obstructing the channel.
On the 2nd April TSAVLIRIS salvage master arrived on the scene of the casualty and the tugs arrived on the 3rd April. Attempts to refloat the vessel were immediately undertaken but with no success. A third and more powerful tug boat, "YAGAN", was dispatched from Buenos Aires on the 4th April, and arrived the next day.
The casualty was successfully refloated on the 5th April with the assistance of the three tugs and anchored at San Pedro Roads for the mandatory post grounding inspection by the Coastguard. Following clearance by the authorities, the convoy proceeded down river and arrived at Zona Comun. Casualty safely redelivered to her owners on Thursday 5th April, 2012.
On Wednesday 25th April, 2012, we dispatched S/T "VB ARTICO" from Las Palmas to the assistance of M/V "REINA CHRISTINA" (GT 10,779, DWT 17,825), laden with about 12,600 CBM of logs and sawn timber, which had immobilized due to engine failure approximately 30 n. miles West of Lanzarote, Canary Islands.
Casualty was towed to Casablanca roads but, due to unavailability of berth for repairs, casualty was towed to off Ceuta, where the tow was handed over to S/T "MEGAS ALEXANDROS", which towed her to Bizerte, Tunisia.
"MEGAS ALEXANDROS" had been mobilized from Piraeus transporting casualty's heavy machinery spares.
Convoy safely arrived at Bizerte roads on the 13th May, 2012. Casualty was towed by local port tugs to CMR shipyard where she was redelivered to her owners on the 15th May, 2012.
On Thursday 3rd May, 2012, we dispatched our salvage tug "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS", from her Ponta Delgada salvage station, to the assistance of General Cargo Vessel "ZEALAND BEATRIX" (GT 9,514, DWT 13,089) laden with about 12,000MT bulk calcium ammonium nitrate, disabled about 250 miles NE of Ponta Delgada.
Convoy arrived safely at Ponta Delgada on the 6th May, 2012.
On Friday 27th January, 2012, we dispatched salvage tug "TECK" from Abidjan, to the assistance of Bunkering Tanker "CHEMICAL PROGRESS" (4,173 GT, 7,606 DWT), drifting about 80 miles South of Abidjan, following main engine damage.
Casualty was towed safely to Abidjan (Coste D'Ivoire outer anchorage) – arrived on 30th January, 2012.