Csc-Friendship Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On February 28, 2022, the 'CSC Friendship', a tanker moored at the Ampol Products wharf on the Brisbane River in Lytton, broke free from its berths due to severe flooding in the area. The successful refloating operation was conducted by the regional harbour master from Maritime Safety Queensland, with the assistance of a marine pilot and tugs. Following the incident, the vessel was safely maneuvered to an anchorage in Moreton Bay under its own power. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has since placed the tanker under detention. Fortunately, there have been no reports of oil leaks or water ingress. The CSC Friendship is currently anchored in Moreton Bay and awaits inspection by its class society, which will involve an underwater hull examination conducted by divers. Simultaneously, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event. The challenges posed by the ongoing severe flooding had repercussions throughout the Port of Brisbane, causing a complete halt to operations. Intense rainfall across the region had resulted in a significant influx of debris into the Brisbane River, prompting a closure of the port to all ship movements as of the afternoon of March 1. The risks tied to the river’s swift current, along with potential debris—including sunken objects and sediment build-up in various navigational areas—compounded the situation. Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd is collaborating closely with the regional harbour master to deploy survey vessels that will assess the safety of navigational depths and identify obstructions within the channel. The swift river current and murky water have presented additional challenges in this endeavor. In response, Maritime Safety Queensland and state authorities are coordinating multiple salvage teams to clear debris, while the PBPL is preparing its dredging and barge fleet to focus efforts on the port’s critical areas.

In a significant crackdown on suspected oil smuggling, Chinese authorities have detained the tanker "CSC Friendship" along with several individuals, one of whom is associated with the Swiss trading firm Gunvor. This operation, taking place in May 2016, targets alleged tax evasion activities linked to imported oil. Gunvor has clarified that they have yet to receive any official notification regarding the arrest or charges related to their employee. The investigation is being led by the customs office in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province located in southern China, focusing on the suspected illegal activities involving light cycle oil (LCO), a refining by-product commonly utilized for diesel blending. The "CSC Friendship" has been detained to assist in the customs investigation in Guangzhou. Gunvor reported that oil products were delivered via the tanker between May 10 and 14. Notably, by June 1, the vessel was anchored off the coast of Ulsan, South Korea, having spent time in Guangzhou from May 11 until May 13.