What Crew Members Say About Akij-Heritage

In a recent maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold for an impressive $9.5 million. The identity of the buyers remains undisclosed, adding an air of intrigue to this significant sale. The deal reflects the ongoing dynamism in the shipping industry, where investments continue despite market fluctuations. Details surrounding the vessel and its future use are yet to be revealed, but the sale signifies a robust appetite for maritime assets in today's economy.

On May 16, 2015, the US Coast Guard took decisive action by detaining the bulk carrier 'Ikan Sudip' after a thorough inspection revealed serious environmental and safety violations. The vessel, which was making its way from Longview to Portland, faced significant scrutiny from officials at the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit (MSU) in Portland due to the discovery of multiple discrepancies posing a risk to the waterway's safety. The Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, along with the captain of the port for Oregon and Southern Washington, emphasized the importance of addressing these issues. Initial concerns arose on May 11 when the 'Ikan Sudip' encountered two separate fuel-related propulsion failures within a span of 24 hours, ultimately leaving the vessel stranded at sea. After the crew managed to implement temporary repairs restoring minimal propulsion, the captain of the port made the critical decision to expel the vessel from U.S. waters, barring its re-entry until comprehensive repairs were completed on the main engine fuel system. Following the proper rectifications made by the vessel's crew and propulsion machinery technicians on May 16, the 'Ikan Sudip' was permitted to re-enter the Columbia River, escorted by the tug 'Somer S'. Upon anchoring in Astoria, vessel inspectors from the MSU boarded the ship for a detailed safety and security examination. During this evaluation, they unearthed multiple equipment discrepancies and environmental contraventions. Alarmingly, the violations included the crew's failure to adhere to essential engineering procedures mandated by both U.S. and international regulations, which are critical in guiding fuel management and propulsion operations. Other concerning findings were identified, such as inadequate crew training in emergency rescue drills, compromised structural fire boundaries intended to curtail potential fire spread, and non-operational lifesaving devices. Moreover, considerable corrosion was noted throughout the vessel's machinery piping systems, presenting a grave threat to crew safety and vessel integrity. The Coast Guard inspectors are collaborating closely with the flag state, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (the classification society overseeing the vessel's construction and engineering), Grace Hawk Shipping S.A. (the owner of the vessel), EikoKisen Co. Ltd. (the managing company), and the crew to facilitate the necessary repairs and ensure compliance with maritime safety standards.

On November 5, 2014, the Panama-flagged vessel 'Ikan Sudip' faced detention in Longview due to severe safety violations that needed urgent attention from the crew. The U.S. Coast Guard took action, collaborating with the ship's crew, owner, and managing company to address and rectify the safety issues before the vessel could leave port. Safety inspectors from the Coast Guard joined forces with the flag state of the 'Ikan Sudip' and the classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, which oversees the vessel's construction and engineering certification. The identified safety discrepancies rendered the ship substandard in accordance with both U.S. and international maritime safety standards, posing significant risks to the vessel, its crew, and the surrounding port environment. These deficiencies were deemed critical enough that the vessel was classified as unfit to sail. During a routine safety and compliance inspection conducted earlier this week by Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit inspectors based in Portland, serious issues were uncovered. The 'Ikan Sudip' was scheduled to set sail for Manila, Philippines, after necessary repairs on its extensive piping systems in the machinery spaces and the replacement of deteriorated fire hoses, which were noted to be half inoperable, significantly impairing the crew's ability to combat potential shipboard fires.