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Eastern Power News

20 Feb 2001

'Safe Haven' Debate Could Have Resounding Effects

A situation ongoing at press time half way around the world promises to affect the way in which ship emergencies are handled in the U.S. and abroad. Last month, debates were raging and political fur was flying as the stricken tanker, Castor, carrying 29,000 tons of gasoline, was held in limbo as authorities on many levels debated the best course of action. The ship, which was damaged but still afloat and operational, was turned away from three countries — Morocco, Spain and Gibraltar — as it went to for assistance. Greek operator Athenian Sea Carriers said that the Moroccan Coast Guard instructed the vessel to move 40 miles offshore…

08 Dec 2000

Canadian Coastguard Ousts Supertanker From Its Waters

The Canadian Coastguard has banned a damaged 24-year-old supertanker, Eastern Power, from entering its waters, saying the onus is on its owner, Singapore-based World-Wide Shipping, to prove that it poses no pollution threat. "To us it's a seaworthy vessel outside our waters with a slight leak, and until her owners can demonstrate that it is no threat to Canadian waters we are denying access," said a Canadian coastguard owner Transport Canada official, adding that the ship was carrying 1.9 million barrels, or 250,000 tons, of crude oil. The official added that a coastguard observation flight Thursday afternoon had showed no signs of pollution, but one that was scheduled for Friday morning could not take off due to bad weather.

08 Jan 2001

IMO Calls For Ship Safe Haven Measure

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) called on Monday for measures to ensure refuge for troubled ships like the Greek tanker Castor, which was last week turned away from three countries it went to for assistance, Reuters reported. "The time has come for the organization ... to adopt any measures required to ensure tha t... coastal states review their contingency arrangements so that disabled ships are provided with assistance," Secretary General Bill O'Neil told an IMO committee meeting in London. O'Neil said he was referring specifically to the case of the Castor, which developed a 20-m crack in its deck on New Year's Day and has since been unsuccessfully seeking a sheltered port in which to unload its 29,500 ton cargo of gasoline.

24 Jan 2001

'Safe Haven' Debate Could Have Resounding Effects

A situation ongoing at press time half way around the world promises to affect the way in which ship emergencies are handled in the U.S. and abroad. Last month, debates were raging and political fur was flying as the stricken tanker, Castor, carrying 29,000 tons of gasoline, was held in limbo as authorities on many levels debated the best course of action. The ship, which was damaged but still afloat and operational, was turned away from three countries - Morocco, Spain and Gibraltar - as it went to for assistance. Greek operator Athenian Sea Carriers said that the Moroccan Coast Guard instructed the vessel to move 40 miles offshore…