Working Conditions Aboard the Cedar-Express

In a significant maritime transaction, Fiba Holding has announced the sale of their Medium Range (MR) tanker vessel, ‘Gan-Trust’, a 2013-built Hyundai Mipo ship. The vessel, which underwent its last dry docking in December 2020, has been sold for $28 million to an undisclosed buyer. This sale marks a notable movement in the maritime industry, reflecting the ongoing trends in ship trading and asset management.

In a dramatic incident on November 17, 2017, the workboat 'Uqoyi' overturned while assisting the chemical and oil products tanker 'Gan Trust' as it approached its berth at Island View 6 in Durban. At the time of the accident, the tanker was under the guidance of a pilot. Reports indicate that mooring lines, likely attached to the 'Uqoyi', became entangled with the propellers of the harbor tugs 'Uthukela' and 'Lotheni', leading to the unfortunate capsizing of the workboat. This unexpected incident caused several TNPA personnel aboard the 'Uqoyi' to be thrown into the water. Fortunately, all crew members were successfully rescued, with three individuals requiring hospital assessment but later being released the same day. Shipping operations may face delays as the tug 'Lotheni' undergoes a comprehensive evaluation. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has been notified regarding the occurrence, ensuring that proper measures will be taken moving forward.