Read Authentic Ratings for the Pionnier

On July 12, 2021, the 'BSSA Pionnier' and the naval tug 'Jason' sprang into action to combat a troubling oil spill spotted off Corsica's coastline. The incident, characterized by slicks of oil, likely resulted from illegal discharge from a vessel, with the pollution seen drifting about ten kilometers offshore by evening. The 'Pionnier', which traveled from Toulon, was equipped with a range of anti-pollution tools and operated near Solenzara, conducting containment efforts in tandem with the tug 'Altagna', which assisted in deploying an oil boom. In response to the spill discovered during a military exercise on July 11, authorities swiftly closed beaches and banned fishing activities in affected areas. A significant coastal protection mobilization, both on land and at sea, was initiated following the detection of heavy hydrocarbons, known for their persistent nature in water. The Polmar-Terre coastal protection plan was activated on July 12, ensuring continued action on the shoreline. Access to beaches was restricted across a roughly 40-kilometer stretch from the municipalities of Aleria to Ventiseri, effectively safeguarding local marine environments. Following these developments, an investigation was launched, supervised by the maritime gendarmerie. Minister of Ecological Transition, Barbara Pompili, condemned the act, describing the dumping of hydrocarbons at sea as "a pure act of ecological delinquency." She, alongside the Minister of the Sea, Annick Girardin, visited the scene, highlighting the spill as one of the most significant hydrocarbon discharges observed in the Mediterranean over the past three years.

In a recent strategic move, Farstad Marine, a subsidiary of Solstad Offshore, has successfully sold its anchor handling tug supply vessel, the Far Saltire, which was constructed in 2002. The transfer of ownership took place on September 18, although details regarding the identity of the buyer and the sale price have not been disclosed by Solstad Offshore. According to market insights from MSI, the estimated value of the vessel stands at approximately $3.1 million. This divestiture is part of Solstad Offshore's broader strategy to optimize its fleet and align with current market conditions.