U.K. Detains Tanker

The single hulled oil tanker, Arendal, loaded with 106,000 tonnes of crude oil was detained at Sullom Voe in Shetland after deficiencies were found by a Maritime and Coastguard Surveyor during his inspection of the vessel. The Arendal is a Norwegian registered oil tanker, 235 m in length that belongs to Arendal Holdings in Norway. Initially, members of the crew contacted the owners of the vessel in Norway, after finding cracks in the vessel. The owners then requested a Classification Society Surveyor from Sweden to go to Shetland to inspect their tanker. He discovered cracking on deck in way of No 3 starboard water ballast tank. The harbor authorities at Sullom Voe then contacted the Maritime and Coastguard Agency who sent a surveyor to also inspect the vessel who has confirmed the findings of the class surveyor. The vessel has now been placed under detention at Sullom Voe until the vessel can be discharged and further assessments can be made with regard to further action on repairs to the vessel.