Ninova: From Stranding to Salvage - A Journey of Recovery

Ninova, a cargo ship that faced a harrowing experience after running aground off the coast of Karasu on May 1, has successfully completed a complex salvage operation. Following the grounding, the vessel became a focal point of maritime rescue efforts, marked by a series of logistical challenges and a delicate unloading operation amidst safety concerns regarding its hazardous cargo of ammonium nitrate.

The journey to refloat Ninova began in earnest on July 7, 71 days after the ship initially ran aground. To facilitate the unloading of the 1,775 tons of ammonium nitrate from its hold, a Sennebogen excavator assisted in transferring the cargo onto the ferry 'Bahri Reis 3'. This operation was critical not only for the ship's refloating but also for ensuring public safety, given the potential risks associated with the fertilizer.

As unloading progressed, the 'Ninova' was eventually refloated on July 11 with the help of a carefully coordinated tow operation. Coastguard teams implemented security measures around the site to ensure that the operation was conducted safely, while a generator-powered pulley system was utilized to turn the bow of the vessel toward the open sea. Following the successful refloatation, thorough inspections and assessments of the ship's hull were carried out by diving teams to gauge any damage incurred during its grounding.

With necessary repairs completed and a Backup Navigation Report secured, Ninova was cleared for safe transport. On May 16, the vessel was finally taken in tow by the tug 'Bozok', marking the end of a challenging chapter for the ship. It is now en route to Aliağa for dismantling, bringing closure to a maritime incident that tested the resilience of the salvage teams and highlighted the importance of safety protocols in maritime operations.