What Crew Members Say About Spm-Neel-Pratap-180

Months after the oil rig 'Ocean Valiant' drifted ashore near El Houichate, reported by the tug 'SPM Neel Pratab 180' on January 12, significant repair work is advancing. According to a statement from the Bizerte Governorate on May 13, the collaborative efforts of local, regional, and national Tunisian authorities are focused on preparing the rig for a tow to a Turkish port. Maintaining the rights of Tunisia throughout the process remains a priority. In recent weeks, despite challenging weather conditions, including strong winds and rough sea currents, over 40 cubic meters of sand were successfully removed from beneath the rig. Additionally, the operation involved extracting contaminated water and other liquids that had infiltrated the platform. This salvage mission, executed in partnership with the tug 'Rota Salvor', adheres to stringent environmental protocols mandated by Tunisian officials. The repair work on the lower side of the structure has now surpassed 80% completion on the seaward side, while repairs on the northern side have been finalized, thanks to specialized underwater welding teams. If the weather remains favorable, the refloating operations are anticipated to commence in the latter half of June 2025. For further details and visuals, visit the report at: https://lapresse.tn/2025/05/14/tunisie-remise-a-flot-imminente-de-la-plateforme-petroliere-echouee-a-el-houichate/

In a significant development regarding the stranded oil rig Ocean Valiant (IMO: 8753330), authorities are gearing up to launch a salvage operation off the coast of El Houichet, Bizerte, starting next week. To facilitate this effort, a second Turkish tugboat, Rota Salvor (IMO: 7931894), has been dispatched to assist with the refloating process. Currently, SPM Néel Pratab 180 is stationed near the rig, with a dedicated crew of 20 onboard, ready to commence operations. The Rota Salvor received its navigation clearance and set sail from Aliaga on March 8 after completing necessary administrative procedures, including the notification of regional and security authorities. By March 16, it established anchor at coordinates 37° 19' N 009° 32' E. This is not the first time rescuers have stepped in; earlier on January 12, 2025, Tunisian forces successfully aided the SPM Néel Pratab 180 when the towing cables snapped during inclement weather off Bizerte. Fortunately, the intervention was executed without any damage to the rig. Importantly, the current situation poses no environmental threats, as there are no petroleum or hazardous substances aboard the Ocean Valiant. For more updates, check the full report with accompanying visuals: https://www.leconomistemaghrebin.com/2025/03/16/operation-de-sauvetage-la-plateforme-petroliere-sera-remorquee-vers-la-turquie/

Following the grounding of the offshore drilling rig 'Ocean Valiant' off the coast of Tunisia, authorities confirmed that no leaks have been detected, and thankfully, no casualties have resulted from this incident. As officials assess the extent of the material damage, Tunisia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to reach out to the nation of the tug 'SPM Neel Paratab 180' to request necessary assistance for the rig’s recovery. On January 15, a crucial meeting was held at the Presidency of the Government, leading to a decision to engage the company responsible for towing to facilitate the operation. Plans are now in motion to transport the 'Ocean Valiant' back to Aliaga, its intended destination before the incident occurred due to the failure of the towing wire linking the tug and the platform. The Minister of Transport has mandated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the grounding. In response to the situation, divers were deployed to the incident site on January 16 to conduct thorough checks. Emergency response teams from Tunisia stepped in on January 12 to assist the crew of the 'SPM Neel Paratab 180' and ensure the safety of the stranded platform. The 'Ocean Valiant', which had been previously operated by the New York-listed offshore drilling contractor Diamond Offshore, was acquired by Noble in 2024. Notably, before finalizing the acquisition, Noble made the decision to dismantle the 50-year-old semisubmersible rig 'Ocean Monarch' and had similarly planned for the 'Ocean Valiant', which has been without a contract since 2020. For more detailed reports and visuals regarding this situation, refer to the following links: [Realites](https://realites.com.tn/fr/bizerte-plateforme-petroliere-echouee-aucune-pollution-detectee-jusqua-present/), [L'Economiste Maghrébin](https://www.leconomistemaghrebin.com/2025/01/16/retour-circonstances-lechouement-plateforme-petroliere-a-bizerte/), [Splash247](https://splash247.com/semisub-drilling-rig-runs-aground-off-tunisia/).