Curtas do Bryant´s

New York – tanker ruptures cargo tank

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that a tanker in New York Harbor suffered a ruptured cargo tank. The ship was loading 55,000 barrels of ethanol at the time. The master reported that the #3 tank over-pressurized. A one-meter section of the main deck collapsed. The tanker has been moved to anchorage in Gravesend Bay and a safety zone has been established. There have been no reports of injury or pollution. The incident is under investigation. A second news release states that the tanker is listing six degrees. Salvage and repair plans are being developed. The Gravesend Bay anchorage has been closed for use by other vessels. (1/10/10).

Turkey – recommendation for UN-supervised prosecution of pirates

The Government of Turkey released its note verbale to the Secretary-General of the United Nations recommending that, under the supervision of the United Nations, a mechanism be put in place in one of the countries near Somalia to effectively prosecute persons suspected of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia. Turkey recognizes that this enhancement of the capacity of the States in the region would require the support of the international community and believes that the newly established trust fund can be utilized in this regard. (12/28/09).

Singapore – hydrogen sulphide safety procedures

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular providing operational guidance to minimize risk associated with carriage and handling of oil and petroleum cargoes including bunker fuels containing high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide – H2S. Precautions against high H2S concentrations in work areas are generally considered necessary if the H2S content in the vapor phase is 5 ppm by volume in air or above. Port Marine Circular 02-2010 (1/7/10).

UK – master fined for being drunk underway

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that the master of a general cargo ship was fined £2,000 plus £100 costs after pleading guilty to operating his ship with a blood alcohol level nearly three times higher than the legal limit. (1/8/10). Fonte: Dennis Bryant.