Working Conditions Aboard the Lian-Xing-Hu

The tanker Lian Xing Hu, originating from the Russian port of Novorossiysk, is currently situated approximately 30 miles offshore from Harwich. This vessel, which embarked on its journey on January 1, 2012, is bound for the Coryton refinery located in Essex. After reaching the Thames Estuary on January 28, it has been anchored for several days as the Coryton refinery faced challenges in securing the necessary funds to settle the payment for its 60,000-tonne crude oil shipment. The refinery, crucial for supplying petrol to 600 BP and Texaco gas stations and providing a significant portion of the fuel for the South-east region, entered administration following the insolvency of its Swiss parent company, Petroplus. Following a temporary halt in operations that lasted two days, Coryton was able to resume its fuel sales. On February 1, 2012, the Lian Xing Hu finally docked at the tanker pier in Canvey Island.

On August 26, 2011, just before midnight, the tanker 'Lian Xing Hu' became grounded near the eastern lock of Flushing. Fortunately, a rapid response from several tugboats, including the 'Union Grizzly,' 'Kent,' 'Union 6,' 'Multratug 9,' and 'Multratug 10,' ensured the vessel was successfully pulled free shortly thereafter. For a detailed visual account of this incident, visit the Dutch photo report at: http://www.tugspotters.com/dev/index.php?itemid=40166#more.