Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Loanna

A recent report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reveals that inadequate adherence to maintenance protocols likely led to a fire aboard the product tanker 'Endo Breeze', also known as 'Euro Breeze', resulting in approximately $1.2 million in damages. The incident occurred while the vessel was navigating a shipping channel after departing from the Sunoco Terminal in Linden, New Jersey, on April 29, 2022. Two hours into the journey, the crew initiated full speed on the engines when the second and fourth engineers detected the smell of fuel oil and noticed a haze around the starboard main diesel engine. Upon closer inspection, they discovered fuel oil on the deck that quickly escalated into a fire near cylinder number four on the starboard engine. The crew acted swiftly, evacuating the engine room and control room as the second engineer secured the ventilation, pumps, and fuel and oil valves. Although the tanker lost main power and switched to emergency power, the crew successfully activated the fixed carbon dioxide fire suppression system. The vessel was able to anchor safely in the Raritan Bay Channel during the emergency response. It took two days before the New York Fire Department confirmed the area was safe for crew members to re-enter the engine room, cautioning against the risk of reflash. The NTSB's investigation uncovered that maintenance work conducted on the starboard main engine just a day prior involved replacing fuel injectors and pumps, carried out by the second engineer, alongside a motorman and wiper. While the second engineer claimed compliance with maintenance procedures, including proper testing of the engine, a detailed examination revealed a slight misalignment in the fuel injector pump assembly—specifically a fracture in the banjo tube mounting surface that led to the fuel leak igniting the fire. The report underlines a critical message for maritime operations: the importance of following strict maintenance guidelines and reassembly procedures as specified by manufacturers. A failure to adhere to the recommended torque settings and reassembly sequences contributed to the misalignment and subsequent high-pressure fuel failure, thereby escalating the risk of fire. The NTSB stresses regular training and compliance checks to prevent future fire incidents in engine rooms, acknowledging the crew's prompt response that contained the fire and limited potential injuries.

In a recent transaction, a vessel has been sold to the Maltese firm Endo Finance for around $12.1 million. This acquisition marks an important addition to Endo Finance's maritime portfolio, reinforcing its position in the shipping industry.

In a strategic move, Team Tankers, a prominent player in the chemical tanker sector, has announced the sale of its MR tanker, Team Tapatio, which was built in 2003 and has a deadweight tonnage of 44,999 dwt. This significant development was disclosed in the company’s first-quarter report. The ship, formerly part of Laurin Maritime's fleet, was acquired by Team Tankers as part of their purchase of Laurin Maritime last year. The vessel, sold for a price tag of $12.5 million to an undisclosed buyer, is scheduled to change ownership in May. However, in a savvy business maneuver, the new owner will enter into a time charter agreement with Team Tankers, allowing the company to maintain operational use of Team Tapatio for a duration of three years. This deal not only reflects Team Tankers’ agile approach to fleet management but also underscores the ongoing demand for charter services within the maritime industry.