Tromso

The "Tromso" which had been carrying 11000 m3 of diesel when running aground on a reef while entering Diego Suarez bay in northern Madagasgar was salvaged by Swire Salvage. After two lightering operations and taking advantage of a favourable weather window, salvors refloated the vessel and moved her to a safe anchorage within the bay. The vessel has undergone detailed underwater video surveys by Swire Salvage divers and temporary repairs were to be carried out by the team to ensure she is fit for her further voyage after verification by her Classification Society.

The Lindenau Yard constructed tank m/v "Seychelles Paradise" has completed its first transfer of oil from the grounded "Tromso" to a storage in Diego-Suarez. The tanker has lightered about 1,400 cubic meters of oil, but the transfer of the oil into the tanks in the port of Diego Suarez was delayed by administrative problems. The tanker was to return to the "Tromso" on Apr 29 in order to continue pumping off part of the cargo before towing attempts were due to start on May 1. A salvage tug which was called from the port of Tamatave was already on scene and was expected to start pulling attempts once a quarter of the cargo of the "Tromso" was taken off.

A meeting was held in the morning of Apr 22, 2014, regarding the grounding of the "Tromso". On Apr 19 the Naval Base had been requisitioned to carry out a salvage operation by taking advantage of the high tide and using local resources. James Brewin was appointed by the owner as salvage manager in order to conduct a thorough investigation. On Apr 22 a technical team arrived at Antsiranana with efficient equipment. The tanker "Seychelles Paradise" was contracted to lighter the tanker. The Malagasy marine and other specialists was to follow and monitor the action. The tanker was resting on a a flat sandy bottom. The lighter tanker is equipped with two ballast pumps with a capacity of 100m3/h and two emergency pumps, a fuel oil separator, a freshwater generator and facilities for wastewater treatment. Pumping was due to start on Apr 26. French report with photo: http://latribune.cyber-diego.com/actualites/1253-petrolier-echoue-une-reunion-de-crise-pour-planifier-le-sauvetage.html http://www.afriscoop.net/journal/spip.php?article11048 http://lejournaldemayotte.com/une/madagascar-menacee-par-une-maree-noire/