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Day: December 5, 2011

Costs 150 Million and Megaship Leaks

Costs 150 Million and Megaship Leaks

The 361 meter long, 404,389 dwt dry bulk carrier Vale Beijing suffered water ingress while loading iron ore at Ponta da Madeira, Brazil.   The VLOC (Very Large Ore Carrier)  suffered multiple cracks in it’s ballast tanks.  The cracks have allowed water to flood into the No. 7  hold.  The Vale Beijing was scheduled to load 384,000 tons of iron ore but stopped when after 200,000 tons had been loaded.  The vessel is to be pulled out of service for repairs.  The Vale Beijing just started service on September 27, 2011 as the largest ore carrier afloat.  The Vale Beijing, classified as Valemax,  is nearly twice the size of a typical capsize vessel that carries iron ore from Brazil to China.   One report states the cause of the hull cracks may be the result of poor quality in the construction of the vessel.  Reports state if the vessel would sink, it could delay further shipments of iron ore from the port.  No reports of injuries.

Video of the Vale Beijing being towed to an anchorage.

From YouTube

How big is this vessel?

Height: 22 story building

Width:  A soccer field

Length: nearly more than 37 meters longer than the Eiffel Tower‘s height (324 meters)

Capacity:  Roughly the capacity of a combined load of 11,150 trucks

 

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Lysblink

Lysblink

The 129 meter long, 7500 dwt freighter Lysblink became disabled off Hvide Sande, Denmark after suffering an engine failure.  The Lysblink’s crew were unable to make repairs and the vessel requested assistance.   The freighter was taken under tow by a tug to Esbjerg for repairs.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.  The Lysblink had been scheduled to sail from Moss to Zeebrugge.

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Morning Cedar Adrift

Morning Cedar Adrift

The 200 meter long, 28100 dwt freighter Morning Cedar loaded with packaged timber became disabled off Tanaga Island, Alaska.  The freighter’s rudder became stuck hard to starboard due to a hydraulic leak.  The crew was unable to make repairs, but the vessel was able to maneuver away from the island by the combination of main propulsion and bow thrusters.   Conditions are poor with winds up to 45 mph and waves up to 15 feet.   The freighter contacted the Coast Guard who dispatched aircraft to the scene.  The cutter Sherman was diverted to the scene as a precaution.   The owner of the vessel is arranging to have a commerical tug to take the Morning Cedar under tow.  No reports of injuries to any of the 23 crew on board.

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