The Olympus: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On February 11, 2015, the oil tanker "Oympiysky Prospect" successfully departed from dry dock number two at the Damen Shipyard in Brest following extensive repairs. These repairs were necessitated by damage incurred during a docking maneuver at a Baltic port, which had resulted in a distorted rudder and wick. After initially setting sail, the tanker faced significant steering difficulties, prompting it to head towards Le Havre. Subsequently, the vessel was towed back to Brest by the tugboat "Fairmount Alpine". The rudder was removed on December 29, 2014, and the ship was temporarily docked until January 26, 2015, when it was placed back in a dry dock to have the new rudder installed. During its time in dry dock, the vessel also underwent various upgrades along with essential cleaning and hull painting. For a detailed French report along with images, visit: http://www.letelegramme.fr/finistere/brest/olympiysky-prospect-le-petrolier-quitte-brest-12-02-2015-10524358.ph

The tanker Olympiysky Prospect is currently docked at CIB Shipyard in Brest, where it continues to undergo repairs after its rudder began displaying incorrect readings in December 2014. A thorough inspection revealed that the rudder was improperly calibrated, with its movements not aligning with the readings, rendering the vessel unable to navigate further. An urgent response was required, prompting Hydrex’s specialized diver/technician team to mobilize to Le Havre for an emergency repair mission. Upon arrival, the Hydrex team conducted an in-depth inspection of the rudder, leading to the discovery that removing the rudder pintle was essential for a permanent repair. Due to unfavorable weather conditions in Le Havre, there were concerns that the rudder could shift, complicating the reinstallation of the pintle on-site. Consequently, it was determined that towing the vessel to Brest, where a drydock was available, was necessary for comprehensive repairs. As part of this revised approach, the Hydrex team adjusted the rudder to a zero angle and took precise measurements to create four securing plates designed to lock the rudder securely in a neutral position. Once these plates were manufactured, the Hydrex crew modified them to the correct specifications. They then proceeded to install stiffeners on both sides of the rudder, mitigating any movement that could lead to further damage during the towing process. Following the successful completion of the operation, an attending surveyor, along with the superintendent and captain of the Olympiysky Prospect, conducted an inspection to ensure all repairs met safety and performance standards. The tanker was subsequently towed safely to Brest for the necessary permanent repairs. Given the significant damage sustained by the steering gear, drydocking remains the only viable repair option for the vessel.

On December 8, 2014, the tanker 'Olympiysky Prospect' encountered serious rudder problems while navigating approximately 26 nautical miles northwest of Fecamp and reported the issue to CROSS Jobourg around noon. Having departed Le Havre at 7:20 a.m. on a voyage to Russia, the crew struggled to rectify the situation despite several attempts. Faced with the persistent mechanical failures, the vessel’s owner made the decision to tow the 'Olympiysky Prospect' back to Le Havre. The towing operation commenced on December 9, when the tug 'Abeille Liberté', stationed in Cherbourg, set off from the Cherbourg Naval Base at approximately 10:30 p.m. After a night of transit, the tug successfully connected with the tanker by 10 a.m. the following day. By 4 p.m. on December 9, the 'Olympiysky Prospect' was securely docked at the Quay de l'Asie in Le Havre, bringing a safe conclusion to its unplanned sea drama. For additional details and photos, visit French news sources at [Premar Manche](https://www.premar-manche.gouv.fr/communiques-presse/remorquage-petrolier-manche.html) and [Le Marin](http://www.lemarin.fr/secteurs-activites/shipping/20361-un-petrolier-en-avarie-remorque-vers-le-havre).