The Olympic-Trophy: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

Oman Drydock Company (ODC), a prominent shipyard known for its expertise in ship repair and conversion, has secured a significant contract to convert the Olympic Trophy, an ore/crude oil carrier, into a dedicated crude oil carrier. This project is set to commence this month and will require approximately 2,200 tonnes of steel, according to the Oman Daily Observer. The extensive conversion process, which includes manufacturing new steel structures, is anticipated to take around 80 days to complete. Dr. Ahmed al Abri, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Operations at ODC, stated that the Olympic Trophy marks the fourth vessel from Onassis Shipping Company undergoing this transformation, highlighting ODC's ongoing partnership with the company. In addition to the conversion, the vessel will undergo general maintenance, including coating, replacement of various parts, and necessary repairs to ensure it meets operational standards. This project underscores Oman Drydock Company's position as a leader in maritime transformation and repair services.

The vessel 'E Whale', which had been docked in Cape Town for two years following its arrest due to financial issues, was officially sold on May 19, 2014, to an international company for a staggering $61 million. The ship is set to navigate the seas again once the full payment has been completed. The new owners recently made a deposit and have a five-day window to remit the remaining balance. Upon full payment, the Western Cape High Court will release the certificates and issue new documentation confirming the vessel's transfer of ownership. The funds from this significant sale will be deposited into an account organized by the Western Cape High Court, which will also appoint a referee responsible for managing claims from 'E Whale's' creditors. This referee will evaluate the claims' legitimacy and determine the payment order. 'E Whale' was seized after several creditors, including a Brazilian company and a Taiwanese bank seeking mortgage claims, alerted the authorities in Cape Town. In 2012, a provisional sale order was issued; however, the ship's owner, Today Makes Tomorrow International Shipping, sought insolvency protection from a US court, which was granted. Due to the Taiwanese bank's New York office, the US court's ruling was applicable, preventing further action, thereby delaying the sale and leaving the crew stranded for over a year. Maritime attorney Alan Goldberg, who learned of the crew’s forced confinement through the International Transport Workers’ Federation, took on the case in hopes of resolving the crew's wage disputes and facilitating their repatriation. The ship, owned by a Taiwanese entity, originally had a crew composed of individuals from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. After repatriating the original crew, the operation transitioned to a system where new crews were rotated on board every three months.

Since April 27, 2013, the 'E Whale' has remained anchored in Table Bay, leaving its 17-man crew living aboard the beleaguered vessel without the ability to disembark. The ship has been arrested due to substantial unpaid debts related to its sister vessel, the 'A Whale,' leading to mounting frustrations among the crew members. After arriving in Cape Town, the 'E Whale' faced additional legal actions from three more creditors, intensifying the situation. Captain Abdullah Al Mahmud expressed that some crew members are feeling desperate to return home, especially as they have not received their wages since December 2012. With tensions escalating, the crew is diligently maintaining the ship's operations, given that leaving is only permissible in dire medical circumstances. Maritime attorney Alan Goldberg from Rose Street Chambers is currently advocating on behalf of the crew to resolve the wage disputes, facilitate their repatriation, and orchestrate the sale of the vessel. Recently, a bank involved with the mortgage of the 'E Whale' agreed to pay the crew all overdue wages, with negotiations anticipated to reach a conclusion by the week's end. Furthermore, the bank plans to present an application to the Western Cape High Court to authorize the sale of the 'E Whale.' If the court approves, the process of finding a new buyer could take three to four months, after which the crew can finally leave the ship.