Operations List

On the 12th May 2011, Bulk Carrier "MAGNUM POWER", laden with 33,649.2 MT of corn and wheat, ran aground in the Magdalena River, Barranquilla, Colombia, approximately 6km upstream from the river entrance. Tsavliris Salvage were awarded an LOF 2011 contract - the first ever LOF 2011 version.

During the last two months Colombia has been experiencing extreme rainfall and the Magdalena River was at its highest levels in several years resulting in extreme river currents and sediment / debris at the casualty's location. Tug "DON LUCHO" (40 tons BP) was mobilized from Barranquilla to the casualty's immediate assistance and the salvage team was assembled from various locations worldwide.

Tugs "GOLIATH" (100 tons BP), "ORCA VI" (70 ton BP) were mobilized from local station Barranquilla and "LIMA II" (65 ton BP) was dispatched from Curacao to hold the vessel by way of the port side against the current. A refloating attempt was made on the 16th May using tugs "GOLIATH", "EOS II" (50 ton BP) mobilized from local station Barranquilla, "ORCA VI" (mobilized from Curacao) and "DON LUCHO" but with no success.

On the 20th May, Bulk Carrier "CHIOS WIND" ran aground at Magdalena River entrance and all operations on the BC "MAGNUM POWER" were ordered suspended by the harbour master of Barranquilla until the "CHIOS WIND" was refloated.

Following the successful refloating of "CHIOS WIND" on the 25th May, preparations to refloat the "MAGNUM POWER" could progress and a revised refloating plan (towage by stern up river) was submitted to the harbour master on the 25th May and approved on the 26th May.

"MAGNUM POWER" after de-ballasting was successfully refloated on the 26th May and towed by tugs "URANUS" (leading tug) dispatched from Caribbean Sea, "ORCA VI", "EOS II", "LIMA II", "GOLIATH" and "DON LUCHO" to Barranquilla. Due to sudden change in circumstances the "MAGNUM POWER" once refloated proceeded by own means and escorted by the tug "URANUS" to the discharging berth. "MAGNUM POWER" arrived safely at discharging birth on the 27th May for discharging cargo and repairs. Following the completion of all works, "MAGNUM POWER" was safely redelivered to her owners on the 5th June.

The three week salvage operation was supported by the T&T Bisso team on location.

In the early morning of Friday 20th May, Bulk Carrier "CHIOS WIND" (GT 23,594, DWT 40,707), laden with 25,132 MT of wheat and corn gluten, ran aground while entering the "Bocas de Cenizan", River Magdalena, on passage to the port of Barranquilla. We dispatched T/B tug "EOS II" (50 tons BP), mobilized from local station Barranquilla, to her immediate assistance, which connected to her stern in order to prevent further shifting to shore, while T/B tug "DON LUCHO" (40 Tons BP), also mobilized from Barranquilla, connected to her bow in order to keep the casualty in position. Salvage officer and salvage engineer were on site to assist.

Refloating attempts were made on the 21st May using the casualty's engine and the two tugs with no success. During the last two months Colombia has been experiencing extreme rainfall and the Magdalena River was at its highest levels in several years resulting in extreme river currents.

Due to the prevailing strong current (about 8 knots), double bottom tanks were ballasted down, and both the T/B "EOS II" and T/B "DON LUCHO" remained connected to hold the vessel. With the assistance of T/B "ORCA VI", mobilized from Curacao, eight shackles of the starboard ship's anchor were deployed/paid out.

Salvage Master and Naval Architect arrived on site on Sunday morning 22nd May. The Port Authority of Barranquilla declared an emergency and denied access/entry to the port, diverting many ships to nearby ports.

Salvage/refloating plan and all relevant calculations were submitted to the harbour master for approval – and were subsequently approved. On Tuesday 24th May, AHT tug "URANUS" (280 tons BP), mobilized from Caribbean Sea, arrived and berthed alongside the "CHIOS WIND".

Due to the substantial BP of "URANUS" a special towage bracket (200 tons SWL) had been fitted / welded at the bow of "CHIOS WIND". Conditions for the refloating (salvage) operation were suitable on Wednesday 25th May following the completion of all preparations. AHT tug "URANUS" took up the position as lead tug, and with the assistance of "DON LUCHO", "EOS II" and "LIMA II" (mobilized from Caribbean), the casualty was successfully refloated same day. "CHIOS WIND" was safely towed by "URANUS" to the discharging berth at Barranquilla Port and redelivered to her owners.

The salvage operation was supported by the T&T Bisso team on location.

On the 4th July 2011, LPG Carrier "DP PROTEUS" (GRT: 4,966 / DWT: 4,998), laden with 600 M/T of Butane Gas, on passage from Singapore to Zhenjiang, was drifting towards the reefs, about 265 nautical miles East of Vung Tau, having lost her propeller. Tsavliris Salvage dispatched M/T "PHU MY O3" (5,500 BHP, 65 TBP), from Vietnam, and S/T "PACIFIC HICKORY" (7,200 BHP, 95 TBP) from Singapore to the casualty's assistance.

On the 7th July "PHU MY O3" arrived at the casualty's position and connected towline. Towing commenced in a westerly direction (in order to clear the adjacent reefs), and thence towed vessel in a northerly direction. S/T "PACIFIC HICKORY" arrived on scene on 9th July, towline disconnected from "PHU MY 03" and connected up to "PACIFIC HICKORY", which took over towage. Convoy proceeded towards Shanghai (however, entry was denied), whereupon convoy continued to South Korea.

Convoy arrived safely at Yosu "W" anchorage, South Korea, on the 18th July, 2011. "PACIFIC HICKORY" provided stand by services to "DP PROTEUS" until Wednesday 27th July pending entrance to port discharge. Strong winds prevailed due to the effect of typhoon Ma-On Casualty safely redelivered to her owners on 27th July at 07.00hrs.

On Monday 29th August 2011, we dispatched salvage tug "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS", from her Ponta Delgada salvage station, to the assistance of General Cargo Vessel "BBC SPAIN" (GRT 6,204, DWT 7,625) disabled about 1,000 nautical miles Southwest of Azores following main engine breakdown.

Casualty was towed safely to Ponta Delgada - arrived on Sunday 11th September, 2011.

On Monday 12th September 2011, we dispatched salvage tug "MERCURIO" (2,400 BHP / 35 TBP), from Aveiro, to the assistance of LPG Tanker "GAS ARCTIC" (GRT 2,985, DWT 3,590) in laden condition, disabled about 25 nautical miles North West of Leixos following main engine failure.

Casualty was towed safely to Aveiro, Portugal – where she berthed safely alongside at 18.30hrs on Tuesday 13th September 2011.

On the 11th September 2011, we dispatched S/T "TSAVLIRIS UNITY", from her salvage station at Sri Lanka, for the towage of BC "EAGLE" (GT 29,905, DWT 52,000), fully laden with bulk phosphate rock, from Hobyo anchorage on Somali coast to Colombo. The "EAGLE" had been attacked by pirates last January while crossing the Gulf of Aden with it's 24 Philippine crew and had been taken hostage / kidnapped for nearly 8 months. The vessel, upon payment of ransom, was finally released by the pirates in August, in damaged condition.

The S/T "TSAVLIRIS UNITY", with all Russian crew and armed guards, sailed from her salvage station to Hobyo anchorage, via Colombo for refuelling and hardening. "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" complied with all BMP4 - Best Management Practices for Protection Against Somali Based Piracy. The "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" arrived at Hobyo anchorage on the 23rd September. Upon delivery of supplies (fresh water, marine gas oil and provisions) to the BC "EAGLE", the towline was connected, and during the afternoon the towage towards Colombo commenced. The convoy arrived safely at Colombo on the 11th October. S/T "TSAVLIRIS UNITY" covered the 3,500 mile round trip - mostly within the "hot" piracy area.

On Friday 22nd July 2011, we dispatched Salvage Tug "STEVNS BATTLER" (5,361 BHP / 70 TBP) to the assistance of Bulk Carrier "NAVIOS SAGITTARIUS" (GRT: 38,849, DWT: 75,756), laden with 73,419 tonnes of iron ore pellets, ran aground on the Tonneberg Banke, about 23.5 miles east of Frederikshavn, Denmark, while on passage from Finland to China. Salvage team arrived on the 22nd July and prepared refloating/salvage plan - incorporating environmental and safety measures.

Sister salvage tug "STEVNS BREAKER" (5,361 BHP / 70 TBP) arrived at the casualty's position on Sunday 24th July and connected forward. Lightering vessel "MPP SHIELD" and crane barge "SANNE A" were also mobilized.

On the 26th July, salvage plan was approved by authorities. On the 28th July, vessel refloated following lightening of about 3,000 M/T of cargo, by pressurizing and with tugs assistance. Casualty shifted to a nearby anchorage for detailed underwater inspection, bottom repairs and reloading of cargo. The Danish environmental protection agency vessel "METTE MILJOE" was also in the vicinity monitoring the situation.

Further to a detailed underwater inspection divers confirmed significant bottom damages. During a period lasting three months temporary repairs were performed on the casualty's bottom at a relatively sheltered anchorage, these included:

- Cargo being shifted to access the manholes to deballast tanks 1,2,3 port

- Subcontracting HYDREX to provide divers for the temporary repairs of the shell plating penetrations to the casualty – about 25 divers were working round the clock to complete repairs

- Cargo back loading from ship-to-ship

- Repairs of cracks and fractures

- Prefabricating sections at shipyard and fitting by way of double bottom no. 1 and no.2 portside

Despite bad weather spells all temporary repairs were completed on 13th October and casualty resumed passage (by own means) to her destination, China.

On Monday 12th September 2011, we dispatched salvage tug "SCULPTOR" (5,650 BHP / 73 TBP), from Santos, Brazil, to the assistance of LPG Tanker "OPTIMUS" (GRT 5,691, DWT 7,734) in ballast, disabled about 240 nautical miles South of Santos following engine failure.

Casualty was towed safely to Paranagua outer anchorage on the 15th September. On Friday the 14th October tug "SB MOSSORO" (3,100 BHP, 40 TBP) was dispatched from Rio de Janeiro to tow the vessel from Paranagua Roads to Sao Franscisco du Sul. Casualty arrived safely on 16th October.

On the 21st September we mobilized tug boat "COMARCO OSPREY" from Mombasa, to the assistance of M/V "PACIFIC EXPRESS" (17,465, DWT 24,492) fully laden with steel products. The "PACIFIC EXPRESS" was attacked by pirates on the 20th September about 300 nautical miles East of Mombasa. The vessel managed to evade the hijacking, however, she was on fire. All 26 crew abandoned the vessel and were rescued by the Italian warship "ANDREA DORIA".

Tug boat "COMARCO OSPREY" with armed guards arrived on site, on the 23rd September at noon. After inspection the tug crew reported that the entire accommodation block was completely burned. Same day the "KMC ELAND" was fixed and sailed from Mombasa with armed guards for the transportation of the rescued crew from the "ANDREA DORIA" to Mombasa. On the 24th September, the "KMC ELAND" took all the "PACIFIC EXPRESS" crew from "ANDREA DORIA" to Mombasa.

In the meantime, due to prevailing currents the "PACIFIC EXPRESS" was drifting to the North and there was concern that she would enter Somalian waters and/or go ground. The "COMARCO OSPREY" connected her towline and commenced towage to Mombasa.

After the rescued crew disembarked from the "KMC ELAND" at Mombasa, the tug sailed immediately to assist the "COMARCO OSPREY" in the towage to Mombasa. On the 27th September we contracted tug "FALCON" from Mombasa to go to the casualty's location to transfer bunkers to the other two tugs. "KMC ELAND's" tow rope parted on the 28th September. Following bunkering from "COMARCO FALCON" on same day, "FALCON" then connected the tow line to casualty and took "KMC ELAND" place.

A salvage team consisting of a salvage master, salvage officer, naval architect and salvage engineer was dispatched to Mombasa. The convoy safely arrived at Mombasa on the 30th September under tow of "COMARCO OSPREY" and "COMARCO FALCON" with "KMC ELAND" escorting. Pilot and additional harbour tug "KIBOKO II" brought the casualty into K anchorage (man power was provided as the casualty was unmanned) where she anchored, with "COMARCO OSPREY" alongside on standby.

Due to congestion at Mombasa the casualty was delayed entry to berth. On the 2nd November, 2011, "PACIFIC EXPRESS", with the assistance of 2 tugs, moored alongside at No. 5 berth. After all cargo was discharged and the casualty was ballasted, the vessel was prepared for ocean towage to demolition yard. Salvage services terminated on the 18th November, 2011.

On the 8th November, fully cellular containership "CAFER DEDE" (GRT 21,092, DWT 26,700), laden with about 800 containers, ran aground on hard rocks South-East of Syros Island, while on passage from Turkey to Italy. Tsavliris dispatched own salvage tug "MEGAS ALEXANDROS", and tug "ARMADORES I", for diving support and anti-pollution, to her immediate assistance. Following the mobilization of salvage team, oil booms were deployed around the vessel as a precaution, and an underwater inspection was carried out to ascertain bottom damage.

The following vessels were mobilized for this salvage operation: crane barge "IGNATIOS III", tug "MICHALIS S", bunker barge "SEKAVIN", lightening vessels M/V "KNIDOS" and M/V "TIGER SEA".

Following the approval of the salvage plan by local authorities, cracks were temporarily patched, fuel and pollutants were removed without incident and about 200 containers were transferred to M/V "KNIDOS" and M/V "TIGER SEA". After completion of the lightening operations, "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" connected to the stern of the casualty and successfully refloated her on Tuesday 22nd November.

The "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" stood by the casualty for about 10 days at a nearby anchorage. Casualty was granted permission to proceed to Turkey under own power on 1st December - she proceeded to Izmit bay for discharging, and thence to Tuzla for dry docking.

On the 18th November we dispatched our tug "HERMES", from her station in Patras, to the assistance of general cargo ship "FGM COMMANDER" (GRT 6,819, DWT 8,978), laden with about 7,500 MT of steel products, following her grounding on a reef South-West of Hydra.

Salvage tug "ALEXANDER 3", anti-pollution vessel "AEGIS 1"and lightening vessel M/V "JOANNA VI" were also mobilized for the operation. About 650 MT of cargo was transferred to lightening vessel "JOANNA VI". Both tugs successfully refloated her on Wednesday 23rd November.

The casualty proceeded to a nearby anchorage for an underwater inspection. Bunkers were transferred back to the "FGM COMMANDER" from the "AEGIS 1". "HERMES" returned to Patras on the 23rd November.

Tsavliris salvage tug "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" was dispatched to the "FGM COMMANDER" to relieve "ALEXANDER 3". "IFAISTOS 2" was engaged to act as steering tug for the towage to Eleusis, while "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" was the leading tug.

The convoy arrived safely on the 3rd December and the "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" remained on stand by near the casualty. The vessel was shifted to a safe berth at Elefsis port and redelivered to her owners on Friday 9th December.

On Tuesday 22nd November, 2011, we dispatched our salvage tug "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS", from her Ponta Delgada salvage station, to the assistance of the laden general cargo vessel "SUNFLOWER E" (GRT 8,604, DWT 13,525) disabled about 800 miles South East Hamilton, Bermuda. During the towage to her discharging port, Port Everglades (USA), casualty was supplied with MGO and an underwater diving inspection was carried out by tug's diver.

Convoy arrived safely at Port Everglades on 13th December, 2011. Upon completion of discharge, "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" towed casualty safely to Freeport, Bahamas for repairs. Casualty was redelivered to her owners on Friday 23rd December, 2011, and "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" demobilized to salvage station.

On Monday 19th December, 2011, we dispatched salvage tug "JIMMY SMITH" from Honolulu, to the assistance of Combined Chemical & Oil Tanker "COMMENCEMENT" (GT 8,542, DWT 13,090), laden with about 11,500 M/T Xylene, disabled and drifting about 1,200 nautical miles East of Honolulu.

On the 25th December, "JIMMY SMITH" arrived at casualty's position, successfully connected tow line and commenced towage to Honolulu.

Convoy arrived safely on the 31st December, 2011, at Anchorage C, Honolulu, and tug "JIMMY SMITH" provided standby services. On the 4th January, 2012, casualty shifted to Berth 29, with tug assistance for repairs. The casualty was safely redelivered to her owners on 14th January, 2012.

On Friday 23rd December, 2011, we dispatched our salvage tug "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" from her Piraeus salvage station, to the assistance of "LNG DELTA" (GRT 88,936, DWT 75,172), fully laden with LNG, disabled about 130 miles, South West of Pylos.

S/T "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" arrived at rendezvous position (Lat 35-37N, Long 022-11E) on the 24th December and escorted the vessel to Northern Hydra for repairs. Upon completion of repairs on the 26th December casualty was escorted to Piraeus roads, whereupon "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" was released.

On Friday 22nd January 2010, we dispatched salvage tug "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" from her Piraeus salvage station, to the assistance of M/T "ATHINA" (GRT 7,613, DWT 12,733) in ballast, which had stranded approximately 2.5 n.miles east of Kali Limenes, southern Crete. The vessel had dragged her anchors in sudden bad weather and grounded approximately 20 meters from the high rising rocky shoreline. Initially there was an imminent danger of pollution, however, this subsided, following transfer of all the bunkers and pollutants to the sub-contracted oil recovery anti-pollution vessel "AEGIS". A diver's inspection revealed that rocks had penetrated the ship's bottom. It was also observed that there were small pinnacle shaped rocks all along the port and starboard side of the vessel.

The salvage team made preparations for re-floating efforts, which were successful on Saturday 30th January, 2010. Following the re-floating, M/T "ATHINA" was towed to the anchorage for underwater inspection and for document preparation for towage to Piraeus.

On the 31st January due to adverse weather conditions (south westerly gale force winds) it was decided for safety reasons that the salvage tug "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" and tugboat "HECTOR" proceed with the M/T "ATHINA" in tow under a controlled drifting mode, off Kali Limenes, until the weather improved. On the 3rd February the weather abated and the convoy anchored off Kali Limenes. On the 4th February, a detailed underwater dive inspection was performed. All towage certificates were received on the 5th February and on the same day the convoy sailed towards Piraeus.

On Saturday 6th February, the convoy arrived safely at Piraeus roads but due to prevailing weather conditions (Southerly gale force winds) M/T "ATHINA", salvage tug "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" and tugboat "HECTOR" anchored off the Northern Coast of Aegina Island for shelter. On Monday 8th February, the convoy proceeded to Piraeus pilot station and with the assistance of port tugs the "ATHINA" berthed alongside at Perama, for transferring the bunkers and pollutants from "AEGIS". Transfer back to "ATHINA" commenced on the 11th February. This unexpected delay was due to the preparation of all relevant customs documentation and the public strike that occurred on the 10th February, and was completed on the 12th February. The casualty has been safely delivered to her owners.