EMEA News
Debunkering of Bulker Brawl MV Benita "Making Good Progress"
Five Oceans Salvage, the company responsible for the salvage operation of the grounded MV Benita off-Mauritius, says work to debunker 145 tonnes of fuel oil from the vessel "is making good progress," with more than 150 one cubic specialist storage containers filled with contaminated fuel and lubes having been relocated ashore.
The salvage company notes that there have been no further signs of oil residue or pollution around the grounded vessel, although specialised anti-pollution booms are still in place along the shoreline.
The vessel itself, which has a number of flooded tanks, is said to be in a stable condition with tugs, Ionian Sea FOS and Coral Sea FOS, connected by lines to the vessel's stern, maintaining tension to prevent the grounded ship from shifting position.
Five Oceans Salvage says a specialised vacuum pumping system is set to arrive from its depot in Greece, facilitating the complete removal of any fuel oil that remains within two double bottom tanks that contain "a substantial quantity" of fuel oil.
"The second phase of the operation which involves preparation for the refloating is also making good progress," explained the company, noting that a team of 45 personnel and subcontractors are working onboard MV Benita, as well as 3 senior personnel coordinating from the shore.
A U.S.-based demolitions expert is also said to have been contacted in order to explore the possibility of using explosives on the rocks underneath the vessel to free it - a process that would require an environmental assessment if pursued.
As Ship & Bunker has previously reported, fuel oil removed from the grounded vessel was to be transported for treatment by the Virgin Oil Company (Mauritius) Ltd (Virgin Oil Company Mauritius).
The June 17 bunker spill made headlines after it was revealed the grounding resulted from a brawl that broke out onboard the vessel.
