Fire-ravaged MSC Flaminia returns as an eco-ship

The vessel, which has been docked at Daewoo shipyard in Mangalia, Romania since February this year, was repaired and subsequently fitted with a new bulbous bow and propeller.

Owner Reederei NSB “offers its charterer MSC a vessel which still bears the name MSC Flaminia but is fundamentally optimised for the challenges of the current shipping market” according to a company statement.

Analyses by Reederei NSB’s TOM (Technical Operating Materials) and EOD (Engine Operating Department) show that the vessel is now able to save 12% of fuel “due to these two modifications alone”, according to vp Bozidar Petrovic.

“We also use MSC Flaminia to demonstrate which opportunities eco-design offers: namely that older ships can compete with the efficiency of modern vessels,” added Petrovic. “Of course we offer this package and our know-how to other shipping companies as well.”

The fire on the MSC Flaminia was one of a number of serious fires on containerships in recent years that have raised concern over mis-declared cargoes.

The vessel was also caught at the centre of a ports of refuge controversy after a fire in hold four en route from Charleston to Antwerp forced the crew to abandon ship 1,000 nm out to sea. The vessel was left disabled and adrift for five weeks before permission was given permission to enter German waters, during which time the blaze spread to holds five and six, with dangerously high temperatures reported in hold seven.

Earlier this month, chairman of the London P&I Club John Lyras joined ICS, the International Union of Maritime Insurance (IUMI), Asian Shipowners Forum (ASF), Lloyd’s Register (LR) and the International Salvage Union (ISU) in calling for definitive international action on ports of refuge.

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