News

arrived Alang Anchorage 30.01.25

The fuel oil carried by the 'Volgoneft 212' and 'Volgoneft 239' belonged to the state-owned Rosneft, Russia’s Ministry of Transport has confirmed. The information came to light via the ministry’s written response to an inquiry by Alexei Kurinny, a State Duma MP from Russia’s Communist Party. This came amid reports that the Volgoneft-class tankers have been illegally delivering fuel to vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet. The ministry's response o also details the insurance coverage for the sunken tankers, with a total liability limit of $29.85 million for environmental pollution and $6.7 million for wreck removal. Previously, experts cited by Forbes estimated the damage from the oil spill at 33.4 billion rubles (approximately $335 million), a figure that encompasses solely marine pollution. The Ministry of Transport also stated that Russian law does not define an “expired operational period” for vessels — approval for operation is granted based on inspection by the Russian Classification Society. According to a recent report by the independent investigative outlet Important Stories, at least 11 Volgoneft-class tankers were at sea in 2024 and January 2025 — in violation of restrictions indicated on their classification certificates. Kurinny called for a parliamentary investigation into the oil spill and noted that the ministry’s response did not specify the owner of the tankers. According to a report by the Russian state-run news agency TASS, the tankers belonged to Volgatransneft CJSC (ЗАО «Волгатранснефть»). In a statement to TASS, the company attributed responsibility to Port Kavkaz in the Temryuk District of Krasnodar Krai. According to the company, the vessels were positioned in the disaster zone following port directives and were unable to relocate to a safer area due to the storm. Volgatransneft also claimed that the stern of the 'Volgoneft 239' was deliberately grounded by the crew to prevent fuel oil from leaking from the aft section, and to ensure the vessel’s own safety. An investigation by Important Stories found that 80% of the fuel delivered by Volgoneft tankers to Port Kavkaz was transferred to foreign-flagged vessels known to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet, a collection of poorly maintained ships that help Moscow trade oil above the Western-imposed $60 price cap. The trade helps the Kremlin line its coffers with crucial revenue as the Russian invasion of Ukraine nears its 3rd year. 1.4 tons of fuel oil have been recovered from the seafloor, and over 173 tons of oil-contaminated sand and soil have been collected from the shore, according to a report by emergency response officials in Krasnodar Krai on Jan 25. Governor Veniamin Kondratyev claimed that 1/3 of the contaminated sand will be disposed of, while the rest will be cleaned and repurposed for construction. Russian authorities spent $5 million to dispose of sand contaminated with fuel oil. However, there have been documented cases of officials attempting to bury bags of polluted sand instead of recycling it. On Jan. 24, Russian Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev reported that specialists from the Ministry of Transport had completed the removal of fuel oil from the beached stern section of the 'Volgoneft 239' near Cape Panagia in Russia's Krasnodar Krai. However, the bow section of tanker, as well as the bow and stern sections of the 'Volgoneft 212', remained at the bottom of the Black Sea. Oil-contaminated beaches in the city of Anapa, will be restored by the summer of 2026, the Russian Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov claimed on Jan 23. On Jan 24 he promised to bring the beaches back to “standard condition” by this summer.Viktor Danilov-Danilyan, the head of research at the Institute of Water Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, described the Dec. 15 spill as “the most serious environmental disaster in Russia since the beginning of the 21st century.” In late December, the independent publication Kavkaz.Realii reported that ship-to-ship oil transfers along the same route continued despite the wreck of the two Volgoneft tankers. Approaching the Kerch Strait, vessels have reportedly switched off their transponders to evade tracking. Report with photo: https://theins.ru/en/news/278334

Following the first steel cutting, MV Werften has officially started with the construction of the second 208,000gt Global Class cruise ship for Genting Hong Kong. This not-yet named unit will be delivered in 2022, following GLOBAL DREAM in 2021.

The UK government and the Port of Southampton have teamed up to launched the UK’s first Port Economic Partnership (PEP), a way of creating stronger links between ports and government in order to long-term trade and economic growth. For the partnership, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) will work with ABP’s Port of Southampton to focus on leveraging public and private sector investment and ensuring that planning processes are as efficient as possible. The unique partnership was launched this week during an event at London International Shipping Week. The creation of PEPs was outlined back in January as part of the launch of the UK’s ‘Maritime 2050 – Navigating the Future’ strategy, envisioning creating a strong business environment for ports which, in turn, will help trade and benefit the UK economy.

On Jan 27, 2025, at 7 p.m. WITA the KM 'Melati' suffered a leak in the waters of Lingga in pos. 00°07.964' S 106°00.314' E., approximately 20 nautical miles from Tanjung Jang, en route from Tanjung Pinang to Berau, Kalimantan, after having suffered a crack in the bottom engine board. Despite the crew’s efforts to manage the incoming water, the volume continued to increase. The worsening weather conditions, with persistent rain and high waves, made it impossible for the crew to contain the situation by 10:00 p.m., and it was decided to stop the efforts to repair the ship and use a signal light in an attempt to call for help from passing vessels. On Jan 28 at 08:00 a.m. the 'Bintan Kharisma 6' came to the rescue after SROP Dabo Singkep had attempted to contact vessels through HF/MF 6215 and VHF without receiving any response. The crew was safely taken aboard the 'Bintan Kharisma 6', which was taking shelter around Lingga Island due to continuing bad weather conditions. The SROP Dabo Singkep coordinated with relevant authorities, including Upp Senayang, Upp Dabo Singkep, VTS Batam (Disnav TPI), Pol Air Dabo Singkep, and Basarnas Penuba. Report with photo: https://hubla.dephub.go.id/Indonesianmaritimesafetyinformation/page/news/read/24778/kapal-km-melati-mengalami-kebocoran-di-perairan-lingga-km-melati-experiences-leak-in-lingga-waters

The fuel oil carried by the 'Volgoneft 212' and 'Volgoneft 239' belonged to the state-owned Rosneft, Russia’s Ministry of Transport has confirmed. The information came to light via the ministry’s written response to an inquiry by Alexei Kurinny, a State Duma MP from Russia’s Communist Party. This came amid reports that the Volgoneft-class tankers have been illegally delivering fuel to vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet. The ministry's response o also details the insurance coverage for the sunken tankers, with a total liability limit of $29.85 million for environmental pollution and $6.7 million for wreck removal. Previously, experts cited by Forbes estimated the damage from the oil spill at 33.4 billion rubles (approximately $335 million), a figure that encompasses solely marine pollution. The Ministry of Transport also stated that Russian law does not define an “expired operational period” for vessels — approval for operation is granted based on inspection by the Russian Classification Society. According to a recent report by the independent investigative outlet Important Stories, at least 11 Volgoneft-class tankers were at sea in 2024 and January 2025 — in violation of restrictions indicated on their classification certificates. Kurinny called for a parliamentary investigation into the oil spill and noted that the ministry’s response did not specify the owner of the tankers. According to a report by the Russian state-run news agency TASS, the tankers belonged to Volgatransneft CJSC (ЗАО «Волгатранснефть»). In a statement to TASS, the company attributed responsibility to Port Kavkaz in the Temryuk District of Krasnodar Krai. According to the company, the vessels were positioned in the disaster zone following port directives and were unable to relocate to a safer area due to the storm. Volgatransneft also claimed that the stern of the 'Volgoneft 239' was deliberately grounded by the crew to prevent fuel oil from leaking from the aft section, and to ensure the vessel’s own safety. An investigation by Important Stories found that 80% of the fuel delivered by Volgoneft tankers to Port Kavkaz was transferred to foreign-flagged vessels known to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet, a collection of poorly maintained ships that help Moscow trade oil above the Western-imposed $60 price cap. The trade helps the Kremlin line its coffers with crucial revenue as the Russian invasion of Ukraine nears its 3rd year. 1.4 tons of fuel oil have been recovered from the seafloor, and over 173 tons of oil-contaminated sand and soil have been collected from the shore, according to a report by emergency response officials in Krasnodar Krai on Jan 25. Governor Veniamin Kondratyev claimed that 1/3 of the contaminated sand will be disposed of, while the rest will be cleaned and repurposed for construction. Russian authorities spent $5 million to dispose of sand contaminated with fuel oil. However, there have been documented cases of officials attempting to bury bags of polluted sand instead of recycling it. On Jan. 24, Russian Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev reported that specialists from the Ministry of Transport had completed the removal of fuel oil from the beached stern section of the 'Volgoneft 239' near Cape Panagia in Russia's Krasnodar Krai. However, the bow section of tanker, as well as the bow and stern sections of the 'Volgoneft 212', remained at the bottom of the Black Sea. Oil-contaminated beaches in the city of Anapa, will be restored by the summer of 2026, the Russian Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov claimed on Jan 23. On Jan 24 he promised to bring the beaches back to “standard condition” by this summer.Viktor Danilov-Danilyan, the head of research at the Institute of Water Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, described the Dec. 15 spill as “the most serious environmental disaster in Russia since the beginning of the 21st century.” In late December, the independent publication Kavkaz.Realii reported that ship-to-ship oil transfers along the same route continued despite the wreck of the two Volgoneft tankers. Approaching the Kerch Strait, vessels have reportedly switched off their transponders to evade tracking. Report with photo: https://theins.ru/en/news/278334

Sodraco International, a French subsidiary of Jan De Nul Group, has signed a contract to transport and install 80 offshore wind turbines on the Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm offshore France. The contract was awarded by Parc du Banc de Guérande, a joint venture between the French renewable energy company EDF Renewables and the Canadian energy infrastructure company Enbridge. It is the first offshore wind contract in France for Jan De Nul. “We are excited to contribute to the further development of renewable energy, and offshore wind in particular, in France. Next to that we are looking forward to working again with EDF Renewables and to confirm our skills and competencies by making the installation of the Offshore Wind Turbines in collaboration with GE a great success,” said Philippe Hutse, offshore director at Jan De Nul Group. The turbine installation works are planned to commence in spring 2022 and will be completed by the end of 2022.

(Sept. 8, 2019) – As Carnival Cruise Line continues to work closely with its partners to deliver relief to the people of Grand Bahama and Abaco islands recovering from Hurricane Dorian, it also plans 41 calls to Nassau, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays for the remainder of September as those destinations eagerly await cruise guests. Bahamian officials have expressed great appreciation for the support Carnival and its employees and guests have provided but also stressed that the other parts of The Bahamas are open for business and stand ready to welcome guests.

he South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) said that the work to remove the 'Ultra Galaxy', which had run aground on July 9, 2024, near the town of Lutzville, was ongoing and all discharged oil has been contained to the immediate area surrounding the vessel. The Shanghai Salvage Co. has been appointed to carry out the wreck removal operation. So far, more than 3 748 tonnes of material had been successfully removed from the seabed and wreckage and transported via tug and barge for safe disposal in Saldanha Bay. Hazardous waste has been managed in accordance with the Waste Management Plan, with steel being processed in Cape Town, while other hazardous materials are handled at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Vredehoek Hazardous Waste Disposal Site. Pollution response and environmental compliance efforts were being led by SpillTech and include the deployment of a workboat towing absorbent booms around the wreck during the cutting process as well as booming off the engine and aft sections to contain any potential oil spills. Any remaining oil that may have escaped or recharged from the wreckage removal programme was contained to the immediate area around the wreckage and beach and did not drift further south. The Samsa was conducting regular inspections along with the DFFE to ensure compliance with environmental standards. A final joint inspection will be undertaken to confirm that the site has been restored to its natural state before Samsa issues formal cessation approval. The operation is expected to be completed within the next three to four months.

On Jan 30, 2025, the BSU has issued its investigation report into the allision of the 'Petra L' , actually sailing as 'Maria G', with an offshore wind turbine in the Gode Wind 1 wind farm, en route from Szczecin to Merksem on April 24, 2023, at 8.04 p.m., while heading for the Terschelling-German Bight traffic separation scheme (TSS). The ship was sailing at a speed of about nine knots and was heavily damaged. The bow was torn open and pushed in on the starboard side, including below the waterline, which led to water ingress. Since the ship remained buoyant and the engine was still running, the master decided to sail 70 nautical miles to Emden and initially sailed back to the TSS. The ship reached the port of Emden on April 25 at 08.40 a.m. The BSU was informed about the incident at midday. Two investigators surveyed the ship the following day and spoke with the parties involved. In the opinion of the BSU, the allision could have been prevented if a proper lookout had been maintained at all times in accordance with paragraphs 24.1 and 32 of Section A-VIII/2 STCW Code. The allision occurred when the master, who was on navigational watch as scheduled, mistakenly took the wrong dietary supplement due to chronic fatigue and fell asleep. The BNWAS did not ensure that the only lookout, i.e., the officer on watch (the master), was sufficiently alert. There was no additional lookout alongside the officer on watch or any other alarm system with which the danger could have been detected and the allision prevented. In addition to the master, there was only one chief mate, meaning the two individuals had to share watchkeeping duties around the clock, with the master also required at all times to perform additional duties. It must be noted that one master and one chief mate are not sufficient to ensure the safe operation of a vessel – this applies in particular to ships such as the PETRA L, which are equipped with only an autopilot, radar (ARPA), AIS, and BNWAS to support navigational watchkeeping duties. The current 500 m safety zone around an offshore installation seems to be outdated. Given the size and speed of modern ships, significantly longer reaction times are now needed. It raises the question as to why monitoring by the wind farm operator should be limited to the safety zone. Moreover, to detect every vessel in the vicinity of a wind farm installation, radar monitoring should not be dispensed with. Of course, to achieve the best possible result, this should be integrated with AIS and ECDIS. Vessel traffic service centres The sudden absence of the NvD at the Wilhelmshaven vessel traffic service centre was to be compensated for by the NvD of the neighbouring VTS assuming responsibility. However, the resulting area being monitored is so extensive that it cannot be managed by just one VTS. This accident clearly demonstrates the need for a faster and more immediate standby system to address the sudden absence of an NvD. The remaining manning (one NvD and three nautical assistants) was evidently not sufficient for the unusual course of the 'Petra L' to be noticed within 50 minutes of her leaving the TSS. It should also be mentioned that neither the NvD of Vessel Traffic Service Wilhelmshaven nor later the NvD of VTS Emden inquired why the PETRA L wanted to go to Emden at such short notice. The ship’s plight was only recognised in the lock at Emden. On the other hand, the transmission of an (automated) distress call (mayday) was at the master’s discretion. The wind farm operator’s internal investigation revealed that alarms in the SOMS were muted when the allision happened, as the numerous alarms were considered disruptive. The BSU believes that an average of six alarms per hour should not overwhelm a sea area monitoring coordinator. Accordingly, this should be changed. Another issue were software updates. Associated training should be provided to all users promptly so as to avoid operating errors and/or misinterpretations. The BSU makes the following recommendations to the BMDV: - It should work toward effecting a revision of Resolution A.1047(27). All ships operating a multi-shift system should be required to have a sufficient number of deck officers on board so that the master is not forced to keep regular watches. In accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, each ship should have a cook, and the minimum safe manning document should specify the qualifications required. Further qualification requirements, such as in the context of maritime safety, security, etc., should be clearly specified in the minimum safe manning document. - Prescribe the use of radar for maritime surveillance and amend Decree WS 23/528.2/2-2-2 accordingly. The BSU makes the following recommendations to the ship operator: - Reapply for the PETRA L’s minimum safe manning document in accordance with the conclusions regarding manning. - Deploy at least two deck officers on its ships in addition to the master. The BSU makes the following recommendations to the flag State Antigua and Barbuda: - Consider the conclusions regarding manning when issuing minimum safe manning documents. - Amend accordingly comparable minimum safe manning documents already issued, taking into account the necessary adjustments. The BSU makes the following recommendations to the GDWS: - Ensure that standby personnel are available for its vessel traffic service centres. - Stipulate that wind farm operators must ensure that monitoring is carried out in a safety zone beyond the 500 m radius so that they can take appropriate action in good time to prevent an allision. - Allow wind farm operators to contact vessels within the safety zone directly to save time in dangerous situations. - Raise awareness among its NvDs of the need to inquire about the reasoning behind reported deviations from planned routes. - Continue to monitor the transcription of conversations on VHF so as to enable vessel traffic service centres to make use of the technical option of reading conversations in real time. Full report: https://safety4sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BSU-Collistion-of-vessel-with-wind-turbine-2025_01.pdf

Washington States Ferries has officially launched its new hybrid-ferry newbuild program at Vigor’s Seattle shipyard. Washington’s legislature authorized a contract extension earlier this year for Vigor to build up to five 144-car Olympic class, hybrid-electric ferries over the coming years for the Washington State Ferries, the largest ferry system in the United States. Vigor has constructed the last twelve ferries in the WSF system and has been actively engaged in the evolution of hybrid-electric solutions, including sending a team to Norway to meet with experts on best practices and available technologies for low carbon ferry systems. Vigor and WSF will again visit Norway as part of a second delegation in September 2019. The Olympic class hull form is one of the most efficient in the fleet with less drag through the water and a small wake for a positive environmental impact. The new hybrid vessels will utilize the existing Olympic class hull form, but will be capable of 100% electric operation on most routes once the infrastructure needed for charging is installed.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian which caused widespread devastation across the Bahamas, Norwegian oil giant Equinor is setting about cleaning up the spills from its South Riding Point oil terminal on Grand Bahama. The South Riding Point oil terminal has sustained damage from the hurricane and oil has been observed on the ground at the terminal site and in neighbouring areas. The size of the spill is not yet clear. Equinor has secured vessels and equipment for oil spill response in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, and from various ports across southeast Florida.