SMIT Salvage has been awarded a LOF 2000 Scopic contract to provide emergency assistance to the Gaz Poem. The tanker was partly loaded with 20,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas when she ran into difficulties in Chinese waters. Fire broke out in the engine room of the stricken vessel at around 02.00 LT Saturday, 23 November, and soon after spread to the accommodation area. The cause of the fire remains unknown. In responding to the emergency, a Salvage team has been mobilised from both Singapore and Rotterdam. Furthermore, and in co-operation with our Chinese partners Guangzhou Salvage Company, the powerful tug De Yue has been mobilised and is currently on scene. The De Yue has a total horsepower of 20,800 at her command.