Read Authentic Ratings for the Star-Bueno

On November 8, 2023, the Central Oil Spill Response Center initiated an immediate response to the situation involving the vessel 'Star Bueno' to mitigate potential oil spills. Mobilization included deploying specialized teams, vehicles, and vital equipment to the impacted area. The ship '52-71-01' transported a skilled crew of 20 engineers and workers to assist with the operation, where they expertly laid down 500 meters of oil containment booms. Furthermore, they utilized a powerful skimmer with an impressive capacity of 140m3/h to manage the situation effectively. To enhance their oil spill response capabilities, a shore team comprising nearly 20 engineers and workers was also deployed, bringing along trucks and a supply of essential equipment. Their preparations included 500 meters of assorted boom types, an oil skimmer with a 30m3/h capacity, 1,000 absorbent pads, and necessary tents, all strategically positioned at the coast. In an effort to ensure thorough readiness, responders conducted inspections and surveys at Khe Hai beach, Quang Ngai province, and surrounding areas. The teams were poised to implement comprehensive oil spill response strategies and undertake shoreline cleanup operations. Collaboration was established with Quang Ngai province authorities to activate the oil spill response plan effectively. The crew members returned to their ship and commenced operations with the equipment on board. In this critical effort, officers and soldiers from the Dung Quat Port Border Guard Station, along with the Provincial Border Guard Command and the Quang Ngai Provincial Military Command, provided essential support to the crew of the 'Star Bueno.' For detailed visuals of the operation, you may view the report here: https://nhandan.vn/dua-phao-quay-ra-khu-vuc-tau-star-bueno-phong-chong-tran-dau-post921703.html

In advance of Typhoon No. 13, known as Kalmaegi, the bulk carrier 'Star Bueno' took precautionary measures on November 5. The ship, loaded with 174,790 tonnes of iron ore and carrying additional fuel amounts—163 tonnes of DO oil and 2066 tonnes of FO oil—anchored in the Dung Quat port area, ensuring it did not disrupt shipping activities. Under the supervision of Pacific Trading and Logistics Company KTd, the crew executed critical safety protocols by closing all fuel tank valves, sealing gauge pipes, and securing vent pipe bolts to mitigate the risk of environmental pollution. All 22 crew members and associated rescue personnel were safely evacuated from the vessel as the storm, which exhibited wind speeds of 14 and gusts reaching 17, barreled west-northwest at approximately 25 km/h. By late November 6, forecasts indicated that the storm's center would hit the coastal zones of Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh, with wind gusts anticipated to exceed force 15 and wave heights climbing to between 6 to 8 meters, raising concerns over significant flooding due to heightened sea levels and high tides. In response, the Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority teamed up with the Central Region Oil Spill Response Center and local authorities to strategically prepare for potential oil spills. They deployed buoys around the 'Star Bueno' to confine any possible leaks while remaining ready to swiftly address any incidents. Due to the rough seas, towing the vessel elsewhere was deemed unsafe as it risked capsizing, and current conditions hindered any efforts to pump out oil from the ship. Thus, close coordination among central and local agencies is imperative, with resources and personnel on standby to manage any environmental emergencies. The Maritime and Waterways Administration of Vietnam has been put on alert to respond effectively should the situation escalate. Additionally, local aquaculture cage owners in Dung Quat have been advised to relocate their operations away from the anchorage site of the 'Star Bueno.' The People's Committee of Quang Ngai Province, along with the ship's owners and relevant units, will continue to monitor the unfolding weather conditions and the vessel to ensure a prompt response to any potential incidents.

In a crucial move for maritime safety, the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration has mobilized urgent rescue operations for the bulk carrier 'Star Bueno', which ran aground near the coast of Quang Ngai province on October 26. With the impending threat of Typhoon Kalmaegi, the administration acted swiftly to refloat the compromised vessel on October 29 and relocate it to a secure anchorage. Upon inspection, water levels were found in several of the cargo holds, necessitating immediate pumping to remove the water and stabilize the ship while technical assessments were conducted. On November 1, a comprehensive online meeting took place, gathering key stakeholders including representatives from the Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority, the Vietnam Maritime SAR Coordination Center (VMRCC), the vessel's owners, and various rescue units. The discussions centered around urgent measures to safeguard crew members, the vessel, its cargo, and the marine ecosystem, in light of Typhoon Kalmaegi (also known as Typhoon 13) forecasted to make landfall late on November 6 or early November 7. To ensure an organized response, officials from both the administration and VMRCC traveled to Quang Ngai to oversee salvage operations. A forward command post has been established on-site, bringing together representatives from government bodies, the ship's owners, rescue teams, shipping agents, and cargo stakeholders to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts effectively.

On October 25, 2025, the bulk carrier 'Star Bueno', under the command of Captain Bongcayao Robert Uy, experienced a severe grounding incident off the coast of Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The vessel, which had a crew comprising 21 Filipino sailors and one Ukrainian national, was transporting a substantial cargo of 174,790 tons of iron ore from Saldanha Bay destined for Dung Quat Port. At the time of the incident, the ship was anchored in Dung Quat waters, awaiting port entry instructions when adverse weather conditions caused significant issues. At approximately 6:00 p.m., the officer on duty noticed that the ship's port side anchor had dragged due to increasingly dangerous weather. The situation worsened, resulting in the 'Star Bueno' running aground at 6:40 p.m. in position 15°28'28" N 108°46'12" E. The vessel was found to be taking on water in cargo holds 1, 5, and 7, prompting the crew to employ mobile pumps in an effort to manage the water ingress. The Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration (VMWA) initiated an immediate response to the incident, deploying emergency teams to stabilize the vessel and commence extensive surveys of the damage. On November 1, an emergency coordination meeting convened by the VMWA included representatives from the Vietnam MRCC, the Quang Ngai Port Authority, the ship owner, salvage contractors, and cargo owners. The primary focus was to ensure the safety of the vessel and prevent environmental hazards. A forward command post has been established to oversee the ongoing salvage operations. As of November 3, the 'Star Bueno' was moored at position 15°29' N 108°44' E, still facing challenging weather with wind speeds fluctuating between force 5 and 6, and gusts reaching up to force 8. Wave heights of 2 to 3 meters continued to pose a significant risk to the ship's stability. For ongoing updates and visuals related to this incident, refer to the following resources: - [Vietnam Maritime Rescue Operations](https://english.vov.vn/en/society/rescue-operations-underway-for-cargo-ship-star-bueno-off-quang-ngai-coast-post1242933.vov) - [Vietnam News Agency Coverage](https://baotintuc.vn/bien-dao-viet-nam/no-luc-ung-cuu-tau-hang-mac-can-tai-vung-bien-dung-quat-20251102161017098.htm) - [VN Express Report](https://vnexpress.net/tau-cho-170-000-tan-quang-sat-mac-can-o-bien-dung-quat-4958899.html) - [Detailed Article on Weather Impacts](https://laodong.vn/ldt/tin-tuc/chay-dua-voi-bao-so-13-ngan-hang-nghin-m-dau-co-nguy-co-tran-ra-vung-bien-quang-ngai-1602846.ldo) - [Further Developments from Border Guard News](https://www.bienphong.com.vn/tau-cho-174000-tan-quang-mac-can-tai-vung-bien-dung-quat-post496636.html) - [YouTube Coverage of the Incident](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUVF-1_cE98&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fquangngaitv.vn%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE)

Koch Shipping has successfully secured a new charter with a delivery set for May 21 in Qingdao. The terms of the agreement stipulate a rate of $15,700 for a trading period ranging from four to seven months. This strategic move underscores Koch Shipping's commitment to expanding its operations and enhancing its fleet capabilities.