Skandi-Amazonas Faces Uncertain Future After Grounding Incident

Skandi-Amazonas, a notable offshore vessel operated by DOF, continues to be the focus of significant concerns following its grounding at Praia Campista on May 15. Nearly three weeks have elapsed since the incident, with the vessel stationary at the site, igniting discussions around its eventual removal and environmental impact. While DOF has reported that the ship remains stable and pose no environmental threats, the situation has garnered ongoing scrutiny from local authorities, including the Brazilian Navy and the State Environmental Institute (Inea). The Macaé City Hall is also engaged, offering support and monitoring the developments surrounding the vessel’s grounding. The North Fluminense Oil Workers' Union is part of the accident investigation committee, although they are withholding official statements pending the final outcomes of the investigation.

Compounding the uncertainty, DOF declared the Skandi-Amazonas as a constructive total loss (CTL) due to hull damage and water ingress, which raised significant rebuilding costs that exceeded the vessel’s insured value. This situation will see DOF receive a payout of $115 million just for the hull and machinery. Despite this financial decision, salvage operations are underway, focusing on laying anchors, patching the hull, and extracting water from the interior.

In parallel, the Brazilian Navy has outlined a structured plan for the salvage operation, indicating that progress would heavily rely on favorable sea conditions and the efficiency of repair efforts. The sequence of tasks includes conducting initial repairs, pumping out flooded compartments, and assessing the vessel’s stability before attempting to refloat it. The removal plan, coordination, and safety oversight will be managed by both DOF and the Navy to mitigate navigational hazards and environmental risks throughout the salvage process. Although the expectation was to have the Skandi-Amazonas removed by the end of July, the timeline remains fluid, dependent on various logistical factors.