EMEA News
Debunkering Continues on Grounded MV Benita
Five Oceans Salvage, the company leading the recovery of grounded vessel MV Benita, says debunkering operations are continuing.
As of last Friday, 80 tonnes of fuel have been removed from the vessel.
As Ship & Bunker reported last week, Five Ocean Salvage had explained that the 145 tonnes of fuel oil onboard the bulker would be removed by helicopter.
"The operation to remove the remaining fuel oil from the vessel's fuel tanks has made considerable progress," said the salvage company Friday.
53 tonnes of the removed fuel is said to have already been transferred to specialised containers and moved to a secure location on land.
"No further oil sheens have been observed. Booms and other antipollution measures remain in place as a precaution."
The company further notes that divers have conducted a number of inspections in order to assess the extent of the vessel's damage.
While a number of the ship's tanks are said to have taken on water, MV Benita is noted to be stable and firmly aground.
Vessel owners and applicable authorities are said to be planning for the vessel to be refloated, while tug Ionian Sea FOS, based out of Mauritius, is on site to provide specialist salvage and antipollution equipment.
Last week, Ship & Bunker reported that fuel oil removed from the grounded vessel would be transported for treatment by the Virgin Oil Company (Mauritius) Ltd (Virgin Oil Company Mauritius).
