Tanker Crew Freed After Kidnapping Off Nigeria
Three crew members of a Maltese-flagged supertanker, who were kidnapped by pirates three weeks ago off Nigeria, have been released, Greece's foreign ministry said on Wednesday. The Kalamos crude carrier was heading to Nigeria's main oil terminal when it was attacked on Feb. 3. The pirates killed the ship's Greek deputy captain and escaped with three crew members -- one Pakistani and two Greeks. All three are now safe and undergoing medical tests, the ministry said, declining to provide further information on their release. "We have asked the Greek ambassador in Nigeria to offer them accommodation and assist them with everything they need," said foreign ministry spokesman Konstantinos Koutras. The ministry could not confirm reports that a ransom of $400,000 was paid.
Daewoo Wins $483M In Ship Orders
Daewoo Heavy Industries won $483 million in ship orders last week from companies in the U.S. and Greece. It will build four ultra large crude oil carriers for Majestic Shipping Co. of the U.S., and three very large crude oil carriers for Aeolos Management S.A. and Atlantic Bulk Carrier Ltd of Greece, a company statement said. Majestic ordered two 450,000-ton ultra crude oil carriers and took options on two more. Atlantic Bulk ordered two 75,000-ton bulk carriers and Aeolos Management bought one 300,000-ton very large crude oil carrier, Kim said. The ships are to be delivered by the end of 2002.
