Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Meratus-Palembang

Cameco, the Saskatchewan-based mining giant, is set to receive no financial reimbursement from the sale of the vessel formerly known as 'MCP Altona,' which was involved in a significant uranium spill incident at sea. A recent ruling from a Federal Court has determined that HSH Nordbank AG, a German bank holding a mortgage on the ship, will claim the majority of the $4.6 million generated from its sale. The incident dates back to January 2011 when the 'MCP Altona' was on a voyage transporting 840 drums of uranium from Vancouver to China, valued at approximately $33 million. This shipment was destined for a Chinese power utility responsible for fueling nuclear power facilities. Midway through the Pacific journey, the ship encountered adverse weather conditions, resulting in three drums bursting in the hold and releasing uranium ore concentrate. Fortunately, the uranium remained contained within the vessel, preventing any environmental catastrophe, but the ship was compelled to turn around and return to port. To address the spill, an extensive cleanup operation was launched, costing a whopping $8 million, and the uranium was returned to Cameco's Key Lake operation in Saskatchewan. Following the owner's bankruptcy amid ongoing legal disputes, the vessel was ultimately sold for $4.8 million. In 2011, the Chinese power utility procured a new batch of uranium, thus continuing their operations. In light of the court's decision favoring HSH Nordbank, Cameco has opted not to appeal, choosing instead to explore alternative avenues for potential financial recovery. In the meantime, the ship has been rebranded as the 'Meratus Palembang' and is currently under the ownership of an Indonesian enterprise, resuming its activities in maritime transport.

The MCP Altona, a freight vessel that raised eyebrows among residents of North Vancouver’s waterfront due to its link to a radioactive spill, has officially left its anchorage in Indian Arm. After being moored off the Dollarton neighborhood since spring, the ship was escorted by tugboat on Wednesday morning to the Ballantyne docks on East Vancouver's waterfront for crew changes and other operational matters following its recent sale. The container ship had been inactive while its previous owners engaged in legal disputes with those involved in a uranium concentrate spill that occurred onboard late last year. Many residents expressed their concerns regarding potential health risks associated with remnants of the toxic substance, voicing their fears to local media outlets. However, the port authorities confirmed that the vessel underwent remediation months prior and received clearance from federal officials, ensuring it posed no threat to public health. For more information, visit: http://www.nsnews.com/North+Vancouver+bids+adieu+uranium+ship/5746207/story.html#ixzz1eQCkiQjH.

The long-standing controversy surrounding the MCP Altona is on the verge of resolution. This vessel has been embroiled in legal disputes since December 2010, when an unfortunate incident involving a load of uranium concentrate, commonly known as yellowcake, occurred between Hawaii and the Midway Islands. Following this accident, the ship was mandated to return to British Columbia, where it has remained off the coast of Belcarra Regional Park for close to six months. The delay is largely attributed to ongoing legal conflicts involving Cameco Corp., the Saskatchewan-based company responsible for the cargo, alongside the ship's owners and other entities connected to its transport. Cameco sought approximately $19 million in damages from the incident and was awaiting the sale of the vessel. Notably, none of the allegations against the ship's owners have been substantiated in a court of law. Exciting developments have emerged as a shipbroker from Compass Marine Services has confirmed that the MCP Altona has been sold, paving the way for its departure from the Vancouver area. The crew, still aboard the ship, is anticipating the finalization of paperwork before they can set sail once more. The troubles for the MCP Altona began back in December 2010 when Cameco prepared 350 tonnes of uranium concentrate at its facility in Saskatchewan. This radioactive substance was packaged in 840 drums, stored within shipping containers, and subsequently transported to Vancouver before being loaded onto the vessel for delivery to China to be converted into nuclear fuel. The ship embarked on its journey on Christmas Eve, but encountered rough seas between Hawaii and the Midway Islands, resulting in some cargo spilling into the hold. The crew discovered the incident several days later and initially sought to dock in Honolulu. However, the U.S. Coast Guard intervened, raising concerns due to the hazardous materials on board. The ship then navigated back to British Columbia, where it anchored at Ladysmith. It was later moved to the Ballantyne docks in the Port of Vancouver in late January. There, Cameco and Canadian authorities managed the cleanup operation, sending the yellowcake back to Saskatchewan while ensuring the ship was thoroughly cleaned. In May 2011, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Transport Canada declared the MCP Altona safe for navigation, after which it was relocated to Indian Arm as legal proceedings commenced. Multiple inspections have since been conducted by Transport Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, ensuring all safety protocols were adhered to.