Grounded Cape Size Bulk Carrier
Missol Island | Indonesia
In 2023, a fully laden cape size bulker was transiting through Indonesian waters when the vessel suffered underwater damage due to an unchartered object. The vessel suffered extensive flooding into its ballast tanks, though no damage was incurred to the cargo holds. The vessel was able to reach Missol Island, Indonesia, allowing it to safely anchor and await further repairs.
Resolve Marine mobilized a salvage inspection team from Singapore – arriving onsite within 36 hours. Initial dive inspections indicated significant damage, with a large majority unrepairable. Due to the extensive damage and considering the remote location of the vessel, a plan was developed to lighter the vessel in place while attempting to repair a portion of the damaged tanks.
A salvage team, salvage tug and equipment were mobilized from Singapore arriving within a few weeks. In addition to the salvage team, an 80,000 DWT geared lightering vessel was also mobilized. Upon arriving onsite, the team found the damage to be extensive and nothing was patchable. To recover freeboard, air dewatering was applied to the damaged tanks to raise the main deck out of the water.
The subsequent lightering of 78,000 tons of the cargo reduced the drafts further and reduced the bending movement of the vessel. The resulting condition was acceptable for all parties, including class, to allow the vessel to transit onwards. The vessel was shifted closer to a more substantial port, allowing for the completion of the lightering. The vessel was then taken to drydock for permanent repairs.
The subsequent lightering of 78,000 tons of the cargo reduced the drafts further and reduced the bending movement of the vessel. The resulting condition was acceptable for all parties, including class, to allow the vessel to transit onwards. The vessel was shifted closer to a more substantial port, allowing for the completion of the lightering. The vessel was then taken to drydock for permanent repairs.