Zelek-Star Vessel Reviews and Specifications

In a significant maritime achievement, the cargo vessel 'Zelek Star' has been successfully refloated after an intensive two-week salvage operation. On January 31, expert salvors managed to rotate the ship a remarkable 238 degrees, aligning the bow nearly towards the open sea, effectively reversing its grounding position. The operation was bolstered by the IHC Beaver 45 dredger, operated by the TAM – Taavura/Admir joint venture, which played a crucial role in the recovery efforts. The successful refloating took place on February 2, and the vessel was subsequently towed to Ashdod Port Terminal, arriving at approximately 4:30 PM on February 3. Following this operation, comprehensive damage assessments and both internal and external inspections were conducted by designated technical teams and surveyors to evaluate the vessel's condition. Meanwhile, the Harbour Master has initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the underlying causes. The total costs associated with the salvage operation amounted to $3 million, a substantial figure considering the estimated value of the 'Zelek Star' was only $1.3 million. Despite the financial considerations, the Transport Ministry mandated the removal of the vessel from its grounded position. The 'Zelek Star' departed Ashdod on May 17 at 8:30 PM, setting sail for Tuzla with an expected arrival date of May 29. For more updates and photographs related to this maritime incident and salvage efforts, please visit the following links: [Salvage Work with IHC Beaver 45](https://www.dredgingtoday.com/2020/03/20/ihc-beaver-45-performs-the-salvage-work/) and [Ashdod Port Developments](https://ashdodonline.co.il/101424/%d7%a0%d7%9e%d7%9c-%d7%90%d7%a9%d7%93%d7%95%d7%93-%d7%9e%d7%aa%d7%99%d7%99%d7%a2%d7%9c-%d7%a2%d7%95%d7%91%d7%a8-%d7%9c%d7%9e%d7%a2%d7%a8%d7%9b%d7%aa-%d7%9e%d7%95%d7%96%d7%9e%d7%a0%d7%99%d7%9d-%d7%97/).

On December 24, 2019, the cargo ship 'Zelek Star' ran aground on Oranim Beach close to Ashdod, Israel, during a severe storm that caused it to drag its anchor. The ship, which was loaded with cement and various goods, was en route from Ashdod to Vasilikos at the time of the incident. With a crew of 12 members onboard, the vessel became stuck near the Ashdod breakwater, positioned at 31° 48.99' N 034° 38.21' E. Visual coverage, including photos and videos, can be found in various reports that captured the dramatic event amidst the turbulent weather. For more details, you can check the links provided in the sources.

The general cargo vessel Zelek Star encountered difficulties when it reportedly ran aground on December 6, 2023, at approximately 22:30 local time while departing from Kherson port, Ukraine. The incident occurred near Karantinniy Island, as covered by the Ukrainian news agency Black Sea News. Responding swiftly, a tugboat was deployed to assist the stranded vessel, although further updates on the situation have not been disclosed yet. AIS tracking data indicated that by December 9, the Zelek Star had changed its position and was anchored in the vicinity, with no damages reported.