2019
SPAIN

GRT/DWT:    7,386 / 9,438 T
LOA:                128.19m
BUILT:             2011
CLASS:            RINA

Temporary Repairs carried out:
Ferrol / Spain
Total Temporary Repair cost:
Approx. USD 1.0 million
Temporary Repair time:
Approx. 2 months
Towage cost to Tuzla:
USD 350 K
Permanent Repairs: NOT carried out – Estimated at USD 8.0 – 9.0 Million (Tuzla)

On approaching Ferrol in heavy weather, a fire broke out in way of Thermal Oil Boilers after thermal oil leakage in funnel, spread to E/R space and black out occurred, with consequential loss of propulsion. As a result, vessel drifted under strong westerly winds and swell, ending up firmly stranded on the rocky coast line of Ria de Ares, Galicia, Spain.

 

After refloating under LOF/Scopic vessel towed to nearby Ferrol shipyard for drydocking, inspections and temporary repairs.

Entire bottom plating (bow to stern) severed. Serious damage sustained to propeller/rudder assemblies and tailshaft. Extensive fire damages sustained in way of E/R upper spaces, thermal boilers, auxiliary machinery and electrical/electronic installation and outfitting

 

Instructed by French Market H&M Lead Underwriters.

SURVEYOR’S ROLE

Gibraltar / Piraeus / Istanbul offices

  • Swift attendance on board, on occasion flown in by helicopter and lowered on deck by wire pendant.
  • Monitored Salvage Operations – under LOF/Scopic – for 20 days until refloating. Reporting daily events / actions to Principals (SCR role)
  • After completion of initial inspections on keel blocks, calculated steel renewals from structural plans – in excess of 500 tons, with entire bottom & Cargo Tanks tank top sections (including High Tensile & Stainless Steel) severed.
  • Extensive temporary repairs carried out on breached bottom plating per Class recommendations and close monitoring by our Gibraltar office surveyors
  • Simultaneously, a detailed Specification of Repairs was drafted and issued (by our Gibraltar & Piraeus office) which was released inviting tenders from Yards in Spain and Tuzla (Turkey).
  • As repair costs in Turkey were most competitive, vessel towed to Tuzla for further inspections – attended by our Istanbul office – before final decisions were taken on repairs.
  • Finally, after a detailed analysis and comparison of repair costs by our Piraeus office based on tenders received, an unrepaired damage claim was pursued by the Assured.

As the vessel was under Mortgagees’ management – a highly pro-active and swift decision-making approach was required on our behalf, throughout this case. A joint team effort by our Piraeus, Gibraltar and Istanbul offices succeeded in providing our Principals with accurate cost estimates for the deferred permanent repairs, facilitating negotiations for settlement of both Salvage Award and Owners’ claim on unrepaired damage basis.