Working Conditions Aboard the Green-K-max-1

In a significant drug bust, Brazilian Federal Police, in collaboration with the Brazilian Navy, Federal Revenue Service, and Santos Port Authority, successfully seized approximately 340 kilograms of cocaine hidden aboard the 'Green K Max 1' on May 10, 2026. The operation took place at the Port of Santos, where authorities conducted an extensive underwater inspection while the vessel was docked and preparing for its journey to Europe. Diving teams from both the police and the navy meticulously scoured the submerged sections of the ship and discovered multiple bundles of the illicit drug cleverly concealed within the sea chest of the hull. In total, the operation resulted in the recovery of around 341 kg of cocaine. The 'Green K Max 1', which had just arrived from ports in Mangalore and Paradip, was set to load cargo destined for Poland. The operation was prompted by intelligence reports and ongoing monitoring of activities at the Port of Santos. Crew members reported sightings of a suspicious small boat near the ship while it was anchored, which led to the quick alerting of authorities. Once the drugs were safely removed from the vessel, they were transported to the Federal Police headquarters in Santos for further forensic analysis. Additionally, a thorough investigation has been launched to identify the individuals behind this attempted international drug trafficking scheme. Brazilian officials characterized the operation as particularly challenging due to the clever concealment of the cocaine in a submerged section of the vessel, necessitating the use of professional divers to uncover it. For more details and images of this operation, visit: https://www.marineinsight.com/brazilian-navy-federal-police-seize-340-kg-cocaine-hidden-on-greek-bulker-at-port-of-santos/?fbclid=Iwb21leARxrdxjbGNrBHGt0WV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHhFLo4tYMDpqYWuJ3PQ9aAeed03kZaOOmNUqEy8wmlcJEEl4vWwxfp_OnZ8X_aem_PRCumAaw6Xlzi3MqWhrsXQ.

An official inquiry into the allision between the freighters 'Golden Cecilie' and 'Green K-Max 1' in Plumper Sound on March 30, 2020, has unveiled significant deficiencies in the weather condition protocols aboard the 'Golden Cecilie.' During the incident, the crew observed the vessel drifting as its anchor failed to hold. Efforts to deploy a port anchor to regain control were unsuccessful. In a subsequent attempt to maneuver away from the vessel, engineers started the engine, but the 'Golden Cecilie' continued its relentless drift, ultimately colliding with the 'Green K-Max 1' on two occasions, resulting in a substantial breach of the hull of the 'Golden Cecilie.' The entanglement of anchor chains from both vessels necessitated the involvement of pilots and assist tugs to safely separate them and guide each ship back to its designated anchorage. The Transportation Safety Board's investigation determined that, despite an approved safety management system in place, the 'Golden Cecilie' lacked adequate preparations for adverse weather conditions. The report emphasized the need for crews to proactively gather timely weather forecasts, recognize factors that contribute to anchor dragging—such as excessive freeboard and insufficient ballasting—and ensure readiness of main engines, anchors, and deck equipment for immediate corrective actions at signs of anchor failure. In light of these findings, the vessel's operator, SeaTeam Management Pte Ltd., has since updated their operational protocols. This incident has sparked wider discussions on the importance of enhanced management practices for anchorages to prevent future collisions and mitigate risks of oil spills.