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Bunker removal from stricken bulker Smart set to start

Operations are set to begin to remove bunker fuel from the stricken capesize bulker Smart in Richards Bay, South Africa.

Marcus Hand, Editor

August 26, 2013

1 Min Read
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South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs said on 25 August: “Plans to pump the oil out of the vessel are at an advanced stage. It is anticipated that the removal of oil from the vessel may take anything between five and seven days, while it may take several months to remove the coal.”

The department said that no oil spill had been detected from the vessel and containment booms had been placed around it and along the coastline.

The 151,279 dwt Smart ran aground on a sandbank on 19 August and suffered structural failure causing the vessel to split into two. The vessel was carrying a cargo of 147,650 tonnes of coal.

It was the second bulker to run aground off South Africa this month. German-owned bulk carrier Kiani Satu, which ran aground off Buffels Bay, sank on 21 August after being towed 110nm out to sea.

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About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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