Discover the Rota-Salvor: Ratings & Maritime News

The salvage operations for the stranded oil rig 'OCean Valiant,' lost by the 'SPM Neel Pratab 180' on January 12th off El Houichate in the Bizerte Governorate, are making significant progress. According to a statement from the governorate on May 13, repair efforts are ongoing as preparations are made for the rig’s towing to a Turkish port. Tunisian authorities at local, regional, and central levels are collaborating to finalize the required technical and administrative actions to successfully refloat the platform while ensuring the protection of national interests. Despite challenging weather conditions characterized by strong winds and intense sea currents in recent weeks, over 40 cubic meters of sand have been removed from beneath the rig. Additionally, efforts have been made to extract polluted water and other liquids that infiltrated the structure. These operations are being conducted in coordination with the salvage tug 'Rota Salvor,' following an environmental protocol approved by local authorities. Notably, the repair work on the lower part of the rig has surpassed 80% completion on the seaward side, while the northern repairs have been finalized by specialist underwater welding companies. Provided that weather conditions remain favorable, the refloating operation is anticipated to commence in the latter half of June 2025.

Regional authorities are set to initiate a comprehensive salvage operation for the oil rig Ocean Valiant, which remains grounded off El Houichet, Bizerte. The rescue efforts will commence next week, featuring the dispatch of the Turkish tugboat Rota Salvor to assist in the rig’s refloating. The primary tug, SPM Néel Pratab 180 (IMO: 9388613), is already positioned near the rig with a dedicated crew of 20 members onboard. The Rota Salvor has secured necessary navigation permissions and departed from Aliaga on March 8, post completion of essential administrative procedures, including communications with local and security agencies. It anchored successfully in position 37° 19' N 009° 32' E on March 16. Previously, on January 12, 2025, Tunisian forces collaborated with the SPM Neel Pratab 180 and its crew in the Houichet region after towing cables to the rig snapped amid challenging weather conditions near the coast of Ras Angela. This prompt intervention ensured the vessel's safe docking without sustaining any damage. Currently, environmental safety remains intact, as no petroleum or hazardous substances are present aboard the Ocean Valiant. For more details, view the report here: https://www.leconomistemaghrebin.com/2025/03/16/operation-de-sauvetage-la-plateforme-petroliere-sera-remorquee-vers-la-turquie/

Salvamento Marítimo has put a halt to the operation aimed at transferring a collection of canoes that have gathered in the bay of La Restinga, situated in El Hierro. This initiative, which commenced on November 5, 2023, utilizing the vessel 'Guardamar Calíope', was set to continue with the 'Punta Salinas' on November 6. However, inclement weather and difficult sea conditions have led to the suspension of these transfer efforts. Towing the precarious vessels has proven too hazardous, and operations will resume only when conditions improve. The congestion of canoes, both in the La Restinga dock area and extending outside, has rendered the port largely inoperable, restricting space for maneuvering and docking. Currently, there are 29 canoes moored at the La Restinga dock, exacerbating the operational challenges faced by the port in the municipality of El Pinar de El Hierro.