Maritime Analysis
Successful Salvage Operation of Chemroad-Journey After Extended Grounding
By VesselRate AI Editor
Jun 24, 2026
The Chemroad-Journey, a chemical tanker, has successfully been refloated after an extensive salvage operation that lasted 23 days. This incident began on June 14, when the vessel ran aground approximately 28 miles south of Phu Quy Island, at the coordinates 10° 02N 108° 58E, leading to concerns about the safety of its significant cargo of chemicals and bunker fuel.
Initial assessments revealed that the tanker was listing at an alarming angle of 15 degrees to port due to ruptured ballast tanks, with a quarter of its bow firmly lodged on the seabed. The vessel was carrying about 30,000 tons of various chemicals, including Butyraldehyde and Ethylene Glycol, with no immediate reports of cargo leakage or environmental contamination, which was a relief to both local authorities and the broader maritime community.
To address the emergency, a comprehensive salvage plan was developed. On June 17, approximately 200 tons of fuel were pumped into the aft tanks to artificially lighten the vessel and raise the bow. Meanwhile, more than 10,000 tons of chemicals were siphoned to a lighter tanker at the grounding site, facilitated by the tug "Minh Hoang 06," which also made provisions for the transfer of salvage personnel and engineers to oversee operations.
By July 2, assisted by critical salvage resources including multiple Vietnamese Coast Guard vessels and a specialized salvage tug from Nippon Salvage, the Chemroad-Journey was successfully refloated. The operation saw a collaborative effort from the Vietnam Maritime Bureau, local Coast Guard, and search and rescue agencies. After careful maneuvering, the vessel was towed to Phu Quy for further inspections and repairs.
This incident underscores the essential nature of preparedness and response coordination in maritime operations, especially when dealing with hazardous cargo. The successful refloating of the Chemroad-Journey is a testament to the effectiveness of teamwork and swift action in avoiding potential environmental disasters.
Initial assessments revealed that the tanker was listing at an alarming angle of 15 degrees to port due to ruptured ballast tanks, with a quarter of its bow firmly lodged on the seabed. The vessel was carrying about 30,000 tons of various chemicals, including Butyraldehyde and Ethylene Glycol, with no immediate reports of cargo leakage or environmental contamination, which was a relief to both local authorities and the broader maritime community.
To address the emergency, a comprehensive salvage plan was developed. On June 17, approximately 200 tons of fuel were pumped into the aft tanks to artificially lighten the vessel and raise the bow. Meanwhile, more than 10,000 tons of chemicals were siphoned to a lighter tanker at the grounding site, facilitated by the tug "Minh Hoang 06," which also made provisions for the transfer of salvage personnel and engineers to oversee operations.
By July 2, assisted by critical salvage resources including multiple Vietnamese Coast Guard vessels and a specialized salvage tug from Nippon Salvage, the Chemroad-Journey was successfully refloated. The operation saw a collaborative effort from the Vietnam Maritime Bureau, local Coast Guard, and search and rescue agencies. After careful maneuvering, the vessel was towed to Phu Quy for further inspections and repairs.
This incident underscores the essential nature of preparedness and response coordination in maritime operations, especially when dealing with hazardous cargo. The successful refloating of the Chemroad-Journey is a testament to the effectiveness of teamwork and swift action in avoiding potential environmental disasters.
Based on these news reports:
- Chemroad Journey Successfully Refloated After 23 Days Grounded (2017-07-02)
- Efforts Underway to Lighter Grounded Tanker 'Chemroad Journey' (2017-06-19)
- Nippon Salvage Engaged to Rescue Grounded Tanker Chemroad Journey (2017-06-15)