Japanese shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) on Tuesday (25 August) published a seventh update on grounded bulk carrier MV Wakashio summarising shipowner Nagashiki’s plans to salvage parts of the vessel before its disposal as well as MOL’s own efforts to supply clean-up experts and equipment: 

Tokyo-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Junichiro Ikeda) as the Charterer of Capesize Bulker Wakashio, are doing everything possible to support the efforts of Owner and Manager, Nagashiki Shipping Co. Ltd. (Nagashiki) and their appointed teams in mitigating the effects of the spill. MOL deplores any incident of oil pollution and continues to offer support to all involved in the response.

Wakashio went aground off Mauritius on July 25, and the bunker oil leaked out on August 6, and the vessel broke apart on August 15.

The following information has been received from Nagashiki.

• The Forward part of the hull has been towed to the designated position instructed by the Mauritian Authority, and the order to sink the vessel at that position was given on August 21. Owner was informed on August 24, that the forward half of the vessel has sunk within the Mauritian territorial waters after measures such as removing hydraulic oil by a team of experts in accordance with the instructions from the local Authority and applicable Law.
• Team of salvage experts appointed by Nagashiki, are in close dialogue with the local Authority about the safe removal plan of the stern part of the hull.
• A Team of experts appointed by Nagashiki continue to work together with the Authority and Volunteers, to recover the oil from the sea and coastal areas in order to minimize the impact to the environment.

MOL as the Charterer, has dispatched a team of employees from MOL Group and clean-up equipment such as oil absorbent, to cooperate and support Nagashiki to recover the environment of Mauritius.

• Six members from MOL arrived at the site on August 12, for the purpose of cooperating with the authorities, collecting information, preventing the spread of oil spill, and supporting oil spill recovery.
• One member from MOL Group arrived at the site on August 22, for the purpose of managing the logistics and inventory of equipment such as oil absorbent.
• Due to the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, area of activity will be limited. Members in Mauritius are collecting information from related parties and Authorities.
• The first clean-up equipment sent by MOL, arrived in Mauritius on August 23. Thereafter, additional equipment such as masks, protective suits, oil absorbents, etc. will arrive in Mauritius on August 26 and August 28.

MOL plans to keep sending necessary equipment.

MOL will continue to work with the relevant authorities of Mauritius and Japan to mitigate the situation as soon as possible together with the shipowners.

Related: Clyde & Co: After Wakashio, is the Bunker Convention fit for purpose?
Related: IMO continues to mitigate impact of Wakashio oil spill, though insurance is limited
Related: MOL releases second update on “MV Wakashio”, 1800 mt of fuel remain onboard
Related: MOL and Nagashiki Shipping release update on grounded bulk carrier “MV Wakashio”
Related: IMO supports Mauritius in “MV Wakashio” oil spill response issues with technical advice

Photo credit: International Maritime Organisation
Published: 26 August, 2020