A DAMAGED Hong Kong flagged but Singapore owned chemical tanker has been given refuge in South Korea after nearly 100 days at sea with 30,000 tonnes of chemicals on board when it crashed into a car carrier (PCTC), catching fire.
After the December collision off Busan, the 44,500 dwt Maritime Maisie was held in place by tugs, as both the Japan and South Korea refused refuge, due to the hazardous cargo and damage to the hull, said Lloyd's Register.
Poor weather conditions in January and February and prolonged exposure to four metre swells have complicated matters further and may also have caused further damage, reported London's Tanker Operator.
After the ship returns to port, her class society (Lloyd's Register) will be involved in overseeing the safe unloading of the cargo, cleaning the ship and assessment of salvage options.
Further assistance for the safe movement to a repair, or recycling facility will also be required.
LR's Ship Emergency Response Service (SERS) team leader Wijendra Peiris said: "This was quite an unusual situation and multiple teams in LR had to work together to resolve it."
After it was damaged in Korean waters, the vessel drifted into Japanese waters, with fire raging for more than a week.
"The vessel wasn't safe enough for LR surveyors to get on board and properly assess the damage until March," he said.
WORLD SHIPPING
29 April 2014 - 23:04
Damaged HK ship given port of refuge in Korea after 100 days at sea
A DAMAGED Hong Kong flagged but Singapore owned chemical tanker has been given refuge in South Korea after nearly 100 days at sea with 30,000 tonnes of chemicals on board when it crashed into a car carrier (PCTC), catching fire.
WORLD SHIPPING
29 April 2014 - 23:04
Damaged HK ship given port of refuge in Korea after 100 days at sea
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