Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Epic-Union

A significant charter arrangement has been established involving the transport of 150,000 metric tons of ore from Nouadhibou, Mauritania to Qingdao, China. The deal, brokered by Glencore through Classic Maritime, stipulates a freight rate of $17.25 per metric ton with a stipulation of 30,000 tons for both loading and discharge. However, the charter includes a cancellation clause set for February 10, providing flexibility for the involved parties.

On January 17, 2023, the bulk carrier 'Cape Leonidas' commenced a slow procession upstream on the Elbe River, efficiently guided by a robust convoy of five tugs: 'Bugsier 2', 'Bugsier 7', 'Bugsier 9', 'Bugsier 22', and 'Fairplay IX', as well as the tug 'Michel'. By 3 p.m., the convoy was seen navigating past Pagensand, steadily making its way upstream at a speed of approximately 4 knots. This movement allowed for the phased resumption of ship traffic in the affected region. While the tide was favorable around 4 p.m., ship traffic remained impeded until the 'Cape Leonidas' secured safe passage to the port. Earlier in the day, the fairway at Kollmar was re-opened for vessels measuring up to 150 meters in length. However, larger ships awaiting entry into the port were required to anchor off Helgoland, while other vessels preparing to depart had to remain docked. Finally, at 7 p.m., the 'Cape Leonidas' was successfully maneuvered towards the quayside at Hansaport in the Köhlbrand. After completing its stop in Hamburg, the vessel set sail again on January 20 at 2 a.m., bound for Puerto Drummond, with an estimated arrival date of February 5. For more detailed coverage, check these German reports and photographs: [link1](http://www.cn-online.de/stadt-land/news/riesenfrachter-cape-leonidas-blockiert-die-unterelbe.html), [link2](http://forum-schiff.de/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23#p133273), [link3](http://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/pm/6337/3537444), [link4](http://www.mopo.de/hamburg/nach-stillstand-auf-der-elbe-frachter-wird-in-hafen-gezogen--verkehr-wieder-frei-25561956), [link5](http://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/300-Meter-Frachter-auf-dem-Weg-nach-Hamburg,havarie412.html), [link6](http://www.stern.de/wirtschaft/news/cape-leonidas--riesenfrachter-blockiert-die-elbe-vor-hamburg-7286854.html).