Omicron-Breeze Vessel Reviews and Specifications

Empros Lines, led by George Makrymichalos, has confidently entered the sale and purchase market once again this year, securing the Japanese-built ultramax Shiny Halo for $16.5 million, as reported by brokers to Splash. This newly acquired BWTS-equipped vessel will enhance Empros's growing fleet, which already includes six other supramax and ultramax dry bulk carriers, along with two panamax-sized bulkers.

On November 12, 2018, at approximately 5 p.m., a potential maritime disaster was averted when the bulk carrier 'Shiny Halo' faced a serious threat of running aground on a reef off Koumac, New Caledonia. The vessel, which had recently arrived from Xiamen and was currently unloaded, was awaiting a pilot to navigate through the Koumac passes when it unexpectedly experienced a blackout, leading to a dangerous drift towards the reef located just two nautical miles away. Quickly responding to the emergency, the Nouméa Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) dispatched three port tugs from Koumac, including two from the Georges Montagnat Mining Company and an additional tug from SMSP. By 6:30 p.m., these tugs, operating under the coordination of a pilot, managed to halt the ship's drift, stopping just one mile from the hazardous reef. To enhance the rescue efforts, the ship's owner, as advised by the MRCC, deployed two more tugs from Téoudie and an offshore tug from KNS based in Vavouto. With the arrival of the offshore tug later that evening, the collective efforts of all tugs successfully secured the 'Shiny Halo', ultimately towing the ship to the safety of Teoudie anchorage by 10 p.m. Following this precarious incident, inspections commenced on November 15 to uncover the root cause of the blackout and expedite necessary repairs. The vessel was scheduled to begin loading a cargo of NMC ore on the same day, marking a return to normalcy after the close call.