Business

Kidnapped crew of oil tanker “Monjasa Reformer” recovered safely

Monjasa confirmed all six crew members who were kidnapped from the Liberia-flagged oil tanker are now safely recovered from an undisclosed location in Nigeria.

Published

2 years ago

May 9, 2023

Admin

Global oil and shipping group Monjasa on Monday (8 May) said the security incident involving the Liberia-flagged Monjasa Reformer and her 16 crew members in the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa has concluded.

The hijacking incident took place on 25 March off Congo in West Africa.

In a statement shared with Manifold Times, Monjasa confirmed all six crew members who were kidnapped from the oil tanker, Monjasa Reformer, are now safely recovered from an undisclosed location in Nigeria, following the hijacking of the vessel on 25 March 2023 off Congo.

“All recovered crew members are in a relatively good health condition given the difficult circumstances they have been under in the last more than five weeks. They have all been receiving medical checks and are now being repatriated to their home countries to reunite with their families.”

“We are immensely grateful for the support received from our professional advisors, navies and authorities and to all others who have helped us resolve this awful situation,” Monjasa Group CEO, Anders Østergaard, said.

The firm said it truly admired its crew members for their bravery and would like to thank all the involved families for their patience and resilience during this stressful period of uncertainty.

“In connection with the incident, we know that our crew members have been acting diligently and in accordance with the on board anti-piracy emergency protocol. The overall policy, which comprises measures to be taken both during and after a possible assault is continually evaluated according to the risk environment,” it said.

“Unfortunately, this and other recent and similar hijackings in the Gulf of Guinea clearly demonstrates the need for joint international political action to face these issues once and for all.”

In the West Africa region, Monjasa urged for safe passage routes and safe zones under an international coalition and we will continue working with our partners, authorities and fellow shipowners for a safe working environment for all seafarers.

The Monjasa Reformer, owned by Monjasa, and technically managed by Montec Ship Management, was boarded by pirates on 25 March at 22:39 UTC about 140NM west off Port Pointe-Noire, Congo.

At the time of the incident, the vessel was sitting idle with 16 crew members onboard.

On 30 March 2023, the Monjasa Reformer was located off Sao Tomé & Principe in the Gulf of Guinea by the French navy. At this point, the pirates had abandoned the vessel and left only 10 of the crew members onboard while they kidnapped the remaining six and brought them to shore in Nigeria.

Photo credit: Monjasa
Published: 9 May, 2023

Winding up

Singapore: Liquidator of Vanda Marine Services issues notice of dividend

First and final dividend of company is payable from 23 January at Rock Stevenson Pte Ltd, 8 Burn Road, Trivex #16-12, Singapore 369977, according to Government Gazette notice.

Published

1 hour ago

January 23, 2025

Admin

A notice was published in the Government Gazette on Thursday (22 January) regarding the first and final dividend to creditors of Vanda Marine Services Pte Ltd.

The following are details of the notice of dividend of the company:

Name of Company : Vanda Marine Services Pte Ltd(In Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation)

Unique Entity No. / Registration No. : 201209660C

Address of Registered Office : 8 Burn Road, Trivex #16-12, Singapore 369977

Amount per centum : 23 per centum of all admitted ordinary claims

First and Final or otherwise : First and Final

When payable : 23 January 2025 onwards

Where payable : c/o Rock Stevenson Pte Ltd, 8 Burn Road, Trivex #16-12, Singapore 369977

Manifold Times previously reported several resolutions for Vanda Marine Services, including winding up the company voluntarily, were passed during an extraordinary meeting in March last year.

Photo credit: steve pb from Pixabay
Published: 23 January, 2025

Methanol

China launches first simulation training platform for methanol bunkering operations

Through the real-life simulation, the platform helps ship operators improve their safety management and emergency response capabilities, improving the development of green shipping technologies.

Published

1 hour ago

January 23, 2025

Admin

China launched its first training platform to simulate methanol bunkering operations at Putuo District, Zhoushan on 15 January.

The Methanol Bunkering System Simulation Training Platform V1.0 was created to fill technical gaps in domestic methanol bunkering training and exercises, in light of the growing demand and popularity for methanol in the shipping industry.

Through the real-life simulation, the platform helps ship operators improve their safety management and emergency response capabilities, improving the development of green shipping technologies.

The platform was jointly developed by Zhejiang Ocean-U New Energy System Engineering and Zhejiang Ocean University.

At the press conference , Zhejiang Ocean-U New Energy System Engineering successfully signed its first purchase agreement with Seacon Ships Management (Zhejiang), making Seacon the first customer to purchase the platform service.

Wang Guofeng, chairman of Seacon, said that the platform has great potential in improving crew operating efficiency and safety, and he looks forward to deeper cooperation with Zhejiang Ocean-U New Energy System Engineering in the future.

Professor Lu Jinshu, Vice President of Zhejiang Ocean University, said they will continuously improve the platform to contribute more in the field of green shipping solutions to the industry.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 23 January, 2025

Hydrogen

Klaipėda Port launches Lithuania’s first hydrogen-powered vessel

Tanker’s power system, which will consist of two electric motors powered by 2,000 kWh batteries and a hydrogen fuel cell system, will enable it to operate for up to 36 hours without additional power charging.

Published

2 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Admin

Klaipėda Port launches Lithuania’s first hydrogen-powered vessel

Klaipėda State Seaport Authority on Wednesday (22 January) said the first ever green hydrogen and electricity-powered ship in Lithuania has been moved from shipyard into water.

Leaving no trace on the environment, it will clean other vessels entering the port, accepting waste from them.

According to the current rules, vessels are obliged to hand over the waste they produce when they arrive and before they leave Klaipėda Port. The Seaport Authority was entrusted with the collection of the waste, and the company decided to use modern and environmentally friendly equipment to further improve the quality of the ship waste collection service.

The tanker’s main function is to collect storm water, sewage, sludge and garbage, as well as to ensure efficient waste management. The ship will be equipped with special tanks and a modern rainwater treatment plant that will allow the treated water to be transferred to the city’s sewage treatment plants. The tanker will be ready to work around the clock and collect up to 400 cubic metres of liquid waste.

The tanker is 42 metres long and 10 metres wide. The ship’s power system will consist of two electric motors powered by 2,000 kWh batteries and a hydrogen fuel cell system. Depending on the intensity of the work, the tanker will be able to operate in the port of Klaipėda for up to 36 hours without additional power charging.

This ship building project with a total value of EUR 12 million (USD 12.5 million) has been commissioned by the Port Authority and is being built by West Baltic Shipyard together with Baltic Workboats under a joint operating agreement.

“We have not only launched a tanker, but also a new approach to port operations – cleaner, smarter and more environmentally friendly. This first ever hydrogen and electricity-powered ship is not only an innovative technological solution, but also an important step in strengthening Lithuania’s image as a modern maritime nation,” said Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.

“At the moment, the tanker is getting used to the seaport water, so to speak, and at the end of the year we expect it to start its important mission of taking care of the clean seaport environment. Such a decision will not leave a footprint on nature, but it will certainly leave a strong mark on our path to a greener future.”

In June last year, a symbolic keel-laying ceremony at the West Baltic Shipyard of the West Baltic Shipyard Group marked the start of the ship’s construction. To date, the hull has been fabricated and painted, with piping, valves, coolers, shaft lines, rudder feathers, heat and fire insulation installed.

Once the tanker is moved into the water, the engine room equipment will be installed, the interior of the wheelhouse will be redecorated, the electrical wiring and the main electrical engines will be installed, the hydrogen system will be installed and other work necessary for the operation of the ship will be carried out.

Photo credit: Klaipėda State Seaport Authority
Published: 23 January, 2025