Discover the Pilion: Ratings & Maritime News

In a concerning security incident, the bulk carrier 'Pilion' came under assault by two armed robbers while anchored off Macapa on March 10, 2019. The assailants, wielding knives, landed on the vessel around 4:30 AM, employing a rope with a hook to board at the coordinates 00.03.50 N, 050.57.80 W. Quick-thinking Duty Able Seaman, who was conducting routine checks, spotted the intruders and immediately alerted the Officer of the Watch. The call led to a swift response, as an announcement over the PA system notified the crew, who promptly mustered for safety. Faced with the prepared crew, the robbers fled the scene without managing to steal anything. The incident has since been reported to local authorities at the Macapa Port. After the alarming event, the 'Pilion' continued its voyage, departing from Macapa on March 11 for its next destination, Itacoatiara.

On January 31, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., the vessel 'Pilion' underwent a routine inspection in Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg, specifically at the Southern Reiherstieg. During this inspection, officials from the Water Police (WSPK 32) discovered significant violations of the Ballast Water Convention. The Department of Environment and Energy (BUE) subsequently mandated a security deposit due to these infractions. The 'Pilion' had entered the port of Hamburg on January 23, 2018, arriving empty but carrying ballast water sourced from Huelva. As the inspection revealed, approximately 15,000 tonnes of ballast water had already been illegally discharged at the berth. The fines imposed were substantial; the Russian First Officer, aged 52, was required to pay a security deposit of EUR 33,551 for the unauthorized introduction of ballast water, as per the Water Resources Act (WHG). Additionally, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) ordered a further EUR 1,000 deposit against both the First Officer and the 63-year-old Greek captain. This penalty stemmed from a failure to register any wastewater disposal in the garbage diary for the past two years and the discovery of an inadequate waste management plan. Following these legal proceedings, the 'Pilion' resumed its journey, departing from Hamburg on February 1, 2018, at 5:45 p.m., and setting sail for Mombasa.