Q1 2021 Tsavliris Activities
Bulk Carrier “NAVIOS SUN”
On 10 January 2021, the Bulk Carrier “NAVIOS SUN” (GT 39,738 – DWT 76,619), immobilised due to tail shaft/malfunction about 50 miles SE from Kuriles Island, Asia. During the incident the vessel was on a voyage from Kushiro, Japan, to Vancouver, Canada, in ballast condition.
On 11 January, Tsavliris was contracted to provide assistance and on 12 January despatched the ocean-going S/T “KOYO MARU” (BHP 10, 000 – BP 132,5) from her salvage station in Hakodate, Japan, together with a salvage master and two salvage officers on board, arriving at the casualty’s position on 13 January. Tow connection was established and towage to Fuzhou, China (Fujian area) commenced. Due to the upcoming deteriorating weather conditions in the area, it was decided to take the Pacific route in a westerly direction. Due to adverse weather conditions (8 B, waves 3-4 m), the convoy proceeded to the E of Cape Erimo and circled around the sheltered area at reduced speed. On 14 January, the towage was resumed while agents were appointed by Tsavliris in order to provide assistance to both tug and tow.
On 18 January, due to strong W winds (8-9 B, waves 4 m) it was decided to take shelter in Enshu Sea and the towage resumed on the next day despite strong winds.
On 27 January, the convoy arrived 72 miles from Fujian pilot station area. On the same day, due to heavy traffic in the area from fishing vessels and large fish farms, wire fishing nets entangled/fouled the towing wire at the bow/bulbous bow of the vessel. After disentangling the nets and following instructions from the local port authorities and Salvor’s local agent, the voyage plan was adjusted accordingly for the convoy to arrive at the Heiyanjiao safe area at daybreak.
On 30 January, the convoy arrived at the rendezvous position with the assistance of two additional tugs namely the “BO HONG TUO 3” (BHP 3,600 – leading tug) and the “NING HONG TUO 6” (BHP 4,000 – steering tug).
On the same day, the “NAVIOS SUN” dropped port anchor at the designated/safe area as per port authority’s instructions and the “KOYO MARU” provided standby services.
On 31 January, with the assistance of four powerful port tugs, the vessel was safely berthed at Fujian Huadong Shipyard and the operation was successfully completed.
Bulk Carrier “SOLSTICE N”
On 19 January 2021, the Bulk Carrier “SOLSTICE N” (GT 35,581 – DWT 44,022), immobilised (due to rudder problem) in Genova, Italy, in ballast condition.
On 20 January, Tsavliris despatched the S/T “A.H. Liguria” (BHP 16,320 – BP 180) from Malta and towage to Piraeus commenced on 25 January.
On 31 January, the convoy arrived safely at Piraeus Roads and the operation was successfully completed.
Bulk Carrier “SALLY M”
On 5 February 2021, the Bulk Carrier “SALLY M” (GT 4,569 – DWT 7,435), fully laden with salt, grounded at Katakolo port entrance, Ionian Sea, Greece while en route from Egypt to Slovenia.
On 6 February, Tsavliris despatched their Patras-based S/T “PROTEAS “(BHP 3,200 – BP 45) arriving at Katakolo on 7 February. On the same day the vessel was refloated successfully in conjunction with the T/B “CHRISTOS XXV “(BHP 2,600 – BP 30).
Bulk Carrier “MASTER”
The Kamsarmax Bulk Carrier “MASTER” (GT 44,619 – DWT 81,588), fully laden with soya beans, en route from Kalama Port, Portland, USA, to Jingtang, China, began running out of fuel, due to bad weather (head winds/seas) during her westerly transpacific crossing.
On 5 February, Tsavliris despatched the S/T “KOYO MARU” (BHP 10, 000 – BP 132,5) from E of Cape Ryori Saki, Japan, to the vessel’s assistance. On 7 February, the tug met up with the vessel and commenced escorting her towards Muroran, Japan.
On 8 February, the vessel ran out of fuel, whereupon the tug connected up for towage to destination. On 9 February, the convoy arrived at Muroran anchorage for the vessel to replenish bunkers and the operation was successfully completed.
Collision of BC “KIVELI” and BC “AFINA I”
On 13 March 2021, the Bulk Carriers “AFINA I” (GT 8,887 – DWT 12,824) and “KIVELI” (GT 22,115 – DWT 38,191), collided in a T-shape, 9,8 miles NW of Kythira island, Greece.
The BC “KIVELI” was on a voyage from Casablanca, Morocco to Varna, Bulgaria, laden with 36,100 tonnes of Khouribga Rock Phosphate while the BC “AFINA I” was on a voyage from Novorosisk, Russia to Bilbao, Spain, laden with 12,069 tonnes of Hot Briquetted Iron.
On 13 March, Tsavliris were contracted under LOF by the owners of the BC “KIVELI” to provide salvage assistance and unlock the two casualties.
Tsavliris mustered a fleet of tugs and deployed all necessary facilities, divers and salvage personnel to undertake the task.
On 14 March, the vessels were moved by tugs in locked condition to Vatika Bay, off Elafonisos island, Peloponnese in order to be separated safely.
On 28 March, the vessels were successfully separated without any environmental pollution. The BC “KIVELI” anchored safely at Vatika Bay with the assistance of tugs.
Tsavliris supports the Neptune Declaration for Seafarer Wellbeing
Tsavliris is officially a signatory to the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change in a worldwide call to end the unprecedented crew change crisis caused by Covid-19. The Neptune Declaration is an encouraging step forward, bringing together industry leaders who are committed to taking action.
Hundreds of companies and organisations recognise that they have a shared responsibility based on their roles across the entire maritime value chain, and beyond, to ensure that the crew change crisis is resolved as soon as possible. They have signed the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change that defines four main actions to facilitate crew changes and keep global supply chains functioning:
• Recognize seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to Covid-19 vaccines
• Establish and implement gold standard health protocols based on existing best practice
• Increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes
• Ensure airline connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers
