Middle EastTankers

Stricken tankers and crew reported safe in UAE waters

The two tankers and their crew involved in dangerous strikes while transiting the Strait of Hormuz last Thursday arrived safely on Sunday at locations off the United Arab Emirates.

BSM Ship Management’s managed vessel Kokuka Courageous is now at anchorage at Kalba with damage assessment and preparation for ship-to-ship transfer cargo set to commence once port authorities have completed standard security checks and formalities.

Meanwhile, Frontline’s Front Altair arrived under tow at a Fujairah anchorage on Sunday. First inspections are under way and no hot spots have been identified following the fire.

Following a full assessment of the condition of the Front Altair a decision will be made on ship-to-ship transfer of the cargo onboard.

Robert Macleod, CEO of Frontline Management, commented Sunday: “The general area of the strait of Hormuz represents a real and very serious risk to shipping. Ships must continue to passage the area, but all precautions must be put in place.”

Splash will be bringing in-depth reports on the growing Middle East tanker tension all week.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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