KARACHI: Wreckage removal Insurers of Tasman, KPT reach accord
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec 17: The operation for removal of wreckage of foreign oil tanker Tasman Spirit, lying in two portions near KPT’s main navigation channel, would start early next month.
Sources at the KPT said that the port authorities and the American P&I Club had reached an agreement, following which wreck removal operation would be carried out by salvage firm appointed by the ship insurers that ran aground on July 27 and subsequently flashed over 30,000 tonnes crude oil before and during the salvage operation.
Under the agreement, the firm Smit Salvage had been engaged by the insurers for wreck removal job. The firm would bring in its equipment and experts. The KPT would also be paid an amount to the tune of two million dollars for services and facilities it had been offering for salvage operation so far, said the KPT source.
It was learnt that the understanding was developed between the KPT and P&I Club recently and a formal approval on the issue had also been acquired from the port’s board of trustees. In line with the agreement, the KPT would not be objecting over departure of four salvage ships from the area under its control, provided the ships cleared the port dues.
A source close to the Smit Salvage said that the firm had already called a tug for removal drill, while other equipment would soon be brought. The wreck removal project director of the salvage firm had also arrived, added the source.
Sources in the Smit Salvage and the KPT maintained that the task assigned to the salvage contractor was to remove the snapped ship from its exiting site and place it at Gadani, Balochistan, the ship breaking yard of the country. The whole exercise could take three and half months.
It was said that attempts would be made to refloat the two portions, otherwise, some cutting operation would be needed to pull out the submerged and sand filled portions of the ill-fated Tasman Spirit.
In the meantime, the American P&I Club communication stated that the Club had reached to an agreement with the KPT to start the work of wreck removal and consequently the Smit Salvage, would begin the related work immediately. It appeared that there was sufficient working time available with the firm before the onset of Monsoon in April or May, added the communication.
The Club has also facilitated the release of four vessels controlled by Tsavliris Russ, the original salvers, who removed 37,000 tonnes of the cargo oil and 440 tonnes of bunker fuel.
According to a press release of the club, the insurers have also agreed to clean the KPT walls of any remaining oil residue. The process would be conducted by LeFloch Depollution, under the supervision of the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation, who have approved the task and will monitor contract.
The Club states, “A crucial outstanding difficulty is the continued detention of the Tasman’s master, her six crew and the Tsavliris Salvage’s master, Capt Pappas. With charges yet to be made and Christmas fast approaching, it is now time they were allowed to return home,” stated the press release, adding that Pakistan now needs to take action as to ensure that its reputation as a trading partner is not further damaged.
