Reviews & Ratings for the Ares

On November 21, 2018, the 'Bulk China', a bulk carrier operating in ballast condition and carrying a crew of 21, experienced a malfunction with its main engine lube oil backwash filter. This incident occurred at coordinates 050° 41' 24'' N, 000° 57' 27'' E, around 2:15 PM. Technicians onboard immediately began repair efforts, estimating that they would need approximately three hours to complete the necessary fixes. Due to the engine failure, the ship had to anchor in the separation zone of the Dover Strait Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), as emergency propulsion was not an option with the main engine offline. At the time, conditions were challenging, with cyclonic winds shifting from southerly at 5-6 and eventually backing easterly or southeasterly ranging from 3 to 4, but occasionally escalating to 5, creating a moderate sea state. The vessel successfully resumed its journey around 5 PM. Shortly after midnight on November 22, it anchored off Calais, marking the next step in its journey from Flushing to Ushant.

In a significant boost for Ukraine's energy sector, a shipment of anthracite coal from South Africa has successfully docked at Pivdenniy port, as announced by the Energy and Coal Industry Ministry on Monday. The Bulk China vessel arrived on Saturday evening, delivering a substantial 168,000 metric tons of coal, crucial for power generation during the impending winter months. The ministry confirmed that unloading operations have commenced, with the first railway cars set to head to Trypilska Thermal Power Plant later this week. The ministry's Facebook post highlighted the urgency of this shipment amid concerns over potential coal shortages. Looking ahead, the next coal shipment is anticipated to arrive on December 12, with plans to import approximately 250,000 metric tons from South Africa throughout December and an additional 170,000 metric tons expected in January. Trypilska TPP, operated by CenterEnergo, represents one of the country's four primary fossil fuel power generators, playing a crucial role in Ukraine's electricity production as it navigates the challenges of winter energy demands.