Reviews & Ratings for the Ssl-Kolkata

Shanghai Salvage is the leading contender for the wreck removal project concerning the stricken containership, 'SSL Kolkata.' The company is currently in talks with insurers to finalize the contract for the recovery operations of the vessel. As a Chinese-led joint venture, Shanghai Salvage is widely regarded as the front-runner in this tender process. The 'SSL Kolkata,' which was abandoned by its crew of 22 on June 14 after suffering a fire, is located off Sagar Island at the entrance to the Ganges Delta.

In a commendable effort, the state government, in partnership with the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT), has successfully drained 90% of the oil from the ill-fated vessel SSL Kolkata, which posed a significant environmental threat to the Sunderbans following a fire outbreak in the Bay of Bengal on June 13. The operation is expected to wrap up within the next 10 days. The team executed a meticulous strategy involving the drilling of oil tanks on the wreck. Once extracted, the oil was efficiently transported through a pipeline to a secure vessel stationed at a safe distance from the incident site. South 24-Parganas District Magistrate has taken the lead as the nodal officer overseeing the entire recovery operation, with local residents from neighboring villages assisting in the crucial task of emptying oil barrels. State Chief Secretary Malay De has been proactive, organizing regular meetings with key stakeholders, including officials from KoPT, the Indian Coast Guard, the Indian Air Force, and top representatives from the Forest Department, to monitor progress closely. Initially focused on the urgent removal of oil due to the imminent risk of spillage, authorities have noted that the SSL Kolkata has now sunk deeply into the water, making it impossible to maneuver the vessel from its location. As the remains of the ship gradually descend, there is a concern about potential water pollution; however, it is anticipated that the impact will be significantly less severe than that of a major oil spill.

In a significant development nearly two months after the 'SSL Kolkata' encountered a fire and subsequently ran aground, a salvage team is poised to commence draining the vessel's fuel tanks in the upcoming days. Operations were delayed mainly due to adverse weather conditions associated with the ongoing monsoon season, which previously complicated access to the wreckage that had settled three to four meters into the mud after the incident. Investigations revealed that some containers aboard contained magnesium, which resulted in explosions upon contact with water. The ship reportedly housed 210 tons of bunker fuel, and when factoring in fuel for the generator and other resources, the total oil on board approaches 400 tonnes scheduled for removal. The ship is equipped with four fuel tanks, and the drainage equipment has been strategically installed approximately two meters beneath the water's surface. The salvagers plan to commence fuel extraction on August 11, 2023. If weather conditions remain favorable, it is anticipated that the entire quantity of fuel can be efficiently removed within a week. The salvage tug, 'Smit Borneo', which has arrived from Singapore to assist with the operation, plays a crucial role in this endeavor. So far, the local Coastguard has reported no oil spills in the vicinity, despite most of the vessel being submerged during high tide. The salvage vessel took around 20 days to cover the distance of 19 kilometers to reach the distressed 'SSL Kolkata', located near the Sunderbans coast. Notably, a 10 to 15 mile zone surrounding the wreck had yet to be surveyed, contributing to the delays. In addition to the crane barge, the operation has involved the tugs 'Lewek Harrier' (IMO-No.: 9359167) and 'Sea Bison' (IMO-No.: 9345518), reinforcing efforts in the Bay of Bengal.