Discover the Sparta: Ratings & Maritime News

On May 13, 2023, a maritime emergency unfolded when a fire ignited in the accommodation area of the cargo vessel 'Sparta' while docked at the port of Murmansk. The incident was reported at 1:50 p.m., with the blaze causing damage estimated at 45 cubic meters. Fortunately, all 17 crew members onboard were successfully evacuated without any reported injuries. The prompt response included two fire appliances and a dedicated team of 27 firefighters who worked diligently to contain and extinguish the fire, bringing it under control by 3 p.m.

The vessel 'Sparta' continues to be docked at Port Taranaki following a significant breakdown while navigating near North Cape on its way to Fiji on March 30. This unfortunate event was characterized by engine complications that necessitated the intervention of Port Taranaki’s most powerful tugboat, 'Tuakana', which successfully towed the distressed ship back to New Plymouth, with the arrival taking place on April 2. At the time of its malfunction, 'Sparta' was under charter to a company based in the United States and boasts a crew comprising Russian officers and Filipino sailors. As of May 13, the ship was still moored at the port's Breakwater Wharf as necessary repairs were being executed. The vessel's issues were attributed to clutch plate complications, but the arrival of spare parts has facilitated the repair process. Completion of the repairs is anticipated by the end of May. For more details and images, visit: http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/8667745/Parts-arrive-for-repair-of-Russian-vessel

The fishing vessel 'Sparta', docked at Port Nelson since April 3, 2012, is nearing the completion of extensive repairs and upgrades aimed at preparing it for the upcoming Antarctic toothfish season. After sustaining damage from submerged ice while longlining in the Ross Sea, the ice-strengthened 'Sparta' is set to meet all necessary safety and operational standards. The vessel, with a crew of 32 from Russia and Indonesia, faced a challenging 12-day ordeal until temporary repairs allowed the South Korean icebreaker 'Araon' to clear a path through the ice, leading to the ship's safe passage into open water. Following its arrival in Nelson, the 'Sparta' successfully passed the required New Zealand ship survey inspections, with only minor tasks such as painting and finishing touches left before it can embark. The fishing operations will be conducted in accordance with the mandates set forth by the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). In addition to ice-strengthening, the vessel has also benefitted from extensive repairs on its main engines and generators, managed primarily by the local engineering firm Aimex Service Group. During its stay, 'Sparta' was docked for several months near the Amaltal base before shifting to the Calwell Slip and currently resting at Kingsford Quay. Since April, a 10-member skeleton crew has remained onboard, receiving warm hospitality from the Nelson community. The 'Sparta' is scheduled to set sail on November 15, ready to resume its critical role in the fishing industry.