What Crew Members Say About Fan-Shun

In a significant development, a vessel has officially been sold to breakers, marking the conclusion of its operational journey. This transition to the breaking yards signifies the end of its service, as it prepares to be dismantled and recycled. The sale highlights the ongoing changes in the maritime industry, emphasizing sustainability and the responsible management of decommissioned vessels. As more ships reach the end of their lifespan, the focus on environmentally friendly practices in the breaking process becomes increasingly crucial.

On November 2, 2011, the operators of the vessel "Arios SB" faced significant penalties totaling $750,000 after admitting guilt to felony oil pollution charges linked to an oil spill incident reported last month at the Port of Portland. A substantial portion of this fine, amounting to $375,000, will be allocated to the Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment. The U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with state regulators, responded to the spill on October 18, which was discovered shortly before the investigation was initiated. In a concerning follow-up, approximately 300 fish were found dead in the vicinity of the spill, although it remains uncertain whether the oil spill was the cause of the fish fatalities. The Coast Guard had boarded the "Arios SB" on October 16 to conduct a Port State Control Safety Examination. Their inquiry unveiled that between June and October 2011, the companies responsible for the "Arios SB" had instructed the ship’s chief engineer to improperly manipulate the Oil Content Meter readings. This included diverting clean water from the engine room directly into the meter, creating misleading readings. Both A.E. Nomikos Shipping Inv. Ltd. of Greece and Jounia Shipping Co. Ltd. of Cyprus pled guilty to one count each of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and making false statements to the U.S. Coast Guard. U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon has since placed both firms on a three-year probation as part of their sentencing. The case was thoroughly investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Authorities are probing an oil spill incident at the Port of Portland’s soda ash export terminal that occurred last week, leading to the unfortunate death of approximately 300 fish. Initial assessments suggest that the spill may have originated from a Cyprus-flagged bulk carrier while it was loading soda ash. The focus of the Coast Guard’s investigation is on the 621-foot bulk carrier, Arion SB, which is owned by Lounia Shipping Company based in Cyprus. In a recent directive, the Coast Guard mandated that the vessel remain at Terminal 4 until necessary repairs are executed on the discharge valves and bilge piping. Additionally, the ship is required to thoroughly document the disposal process for all oily residues. "The ship can't leave until these issues are resolved," stated Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard. On Friday, the Arion SB shifted within Terminal 4 to accommodate an incoming vessel, at which point the dead fish were discovered, according to the Port authorities.