Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Lina-F

The vessel formerly known as the 'Nikol H,' which has been anchored in the Delaware River since April 3, 2014, due to extensive repairs and financial difficulties of its previous ownership, is set to finally embark on a new journey. Renamed 'Nicolina,' the ship has undergone a transformation, complete with a new crew and ownership. A pivotal federal lawsuit that previously kept the ship in arrest has been resolved, clearing the way for its departure. On November 12, 2014, the Seamen's Church Institute, known for welcoming seafarers at Delaware ports, hosted a special lunch and farewell event for the 20 Filipino crew members newly assigned to the 'Nicolina.' The original crew had faced issues with expired visas, preventing their departure throughout the summer. As their contracts reached an end, they received U.S. Customs paroles allowing them to return home. The new crew's captain and team arrived last month, following the acquisition of the vessel by Keeper Maritime Co. of Manila and Orient Shipping Rotterdam B.V. of the Netherlands on October 22. Now registered in the Philippines and equipped with newly retrofitted parts, the 'Nicolina' stands on the brink of departure, pending a final inspection by the Coast Guard to ensure that all repairs have been satisfactorily completed. The ideal departure date has been set for November 12, provided that the inspection is successful. Previously, on April 12, the 'Nikol H' had delivered 13,521 tons of cocoa beans at Pier 84, located in South Philadelphia. However, following this operation, the Coast Guard flagged the vessel for operational deficiencies, which resulted in a ban on sailing until the necessary repairs were undertaken. The vessel was at anchor in the Delaware for an extended period. In May, Dependable Distribution Services, the operator at Pier 84, filed a lawsuit in federal court against the ship, claiming nearly $300,000 in unpaid wharfage, stevedoring, and various other fees incurred over six weeks of repairs. The lawsuit included additional claims from suppliers and agents, all asserting that payment was due for services rendered during the ship’s lengthy stay in port. The previous owner, Derna Carriers S.A., reported financial incapacity to settle these debts. In August, the ship was relocated near the Cruise Terminal at the Navy Yard, and by October, all financial disputes were settled after the ship's acquisition by its new owners. This marks a significant milestone for the former 'Nikol H' as it prepares to re-enter service under its new identity as the 'Nicolina.'

In a significant maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold to an undisclosed buyer for an impressive sum of $4.5 million. Details surrounding the buyer remain under wraps, leading to speculation about the future plans for the vessel in the competitive shipping market. This sale underscores the ongoing demand and fluidity within the maritime industry.

In a distressing situation, the Filipino crew aboard the 'Nikol H' has turned to the US Customs and Border Protection for 'humanitarian parole' after being stranded for more than four months on a freighter anchored in the Delaware River. The ship, manned by 17 Filipino sailors aged between 23 and 54, as well as two Ukrainian officials and an Egyptian captain, has left the crew feeling trapped despite being provided with cell phones, internet access, food, water, and regular paychecks. The crew is now advocating for their release from the vessel, with the Seaman’s Church Institute stepping in to assist with the application for humanitarian parole. When the crew initially arrived, they possessed valid visas that allowed for their disembarkation; however, these visas expired after 29 days. The plight of the 'Nikol H' arose when it failed to pass routine maintenance checks, leading to its docking at Pier 48 in South Philadelphia. The situation worsened when the US Coast Guard detained the vessel due to the owner, Derna Carriers, failing to settle docking fees exceeding $1 million. Negotiations are ongoing between the Seaman’s Church Institute and US border authorities to secure an extension for the crew's visas, but there is no estimated timeline for when they might be able to leave the ship. Consul General Art Romua of the Philippine Consulate in New York has expressed uncertainty regarding the ship's departure. Derna Carriers has claimed financial inability to pay the debts, and while there have been recent attempts to sell the ship to settle vendor payments, those discussions have not materialized. If a buyer does not emerge soon, the freighter is likely to be auctioned once it is docked for repairs.