Reviews & Ratings for the Ocean-Belt

Sinotrans has successfully finalized a new time charter agreement, marking a significant milestone for the shipping company. The vessel is set to be delivered from the U.S. Gulf on March 16, embarking on a voyage through the Panama Canal before reaching its final destination in China. This lucrative contract features a daily rate of $15,750 along with an impressive ballast bonus of $575,000, solidifying Sinotrans' position in the competitive maritime industry.

After a five-day hiatus following its grounding incident between Gedser and Ahrenshoop, the bulk carrier 'Star of Sawara' has been cleared to continue its voyage to New Orleans. The vessel underwent a thorough hull inspection carried out by divers in Kalundborg Fjord on September 2, confirming that it did not sustain any damage. Despite the successful inspection, the operation incurred significant expenses, with salvage costs reaching a six-figure sum. The ship is now expected to arrive in New Orleans on September 16.

The bulk carrier 'Star of Sawara' was successfully refloated on August 31, 2023, following an extensive operation by four tugboats: 'Axel' (IMO: 8918590), 'Bugsier 16' (IMO: 9021124), 'Fairplay-35' (IMO: 9565194), and 'Fairplay XII' (IMO: 9107409). After a challenging 7.5-hour effort, the vessel was freed from the shallows of the Cadet Trench at 1:35 p.m. The vessel had run aground two days earlier, requiring immediate assistance from the tugs stationed near Ahrenshoop. Before continuing its journey to New Orleans with a cargo of fertilizer, the 'Star of Sawara' must undergo a thorough damage inspection. It will first anchor in the Kalundborg bight, where it arrived on September 1 at 11:30 a.m. for additional checks. Notably, the 'Star of Sawara' led to safety concerns as it ignored the International Maritime Organization's recommendations on employing pilots for ships exceeding an 11-meter draft in Danish waters. The Armed Forces Operations Center reached out to the vessel's captain near Bornholm on August 29 to reiterate this requirement, but the advice was not heeded. Once cleared by salvage experts, it will proceed towards ongoing operations in Kalundborg. For further details, Danish coverage and related video can be found at http://folketidende.dk/Lokal-nyt/Skib-trukket-fri/artikel/433688 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Hz6fP6q5Y.