Fairmount Marine tug frees, then tows, grounded bulker

Fairmount Marine’s tug Fairmount Glacier has successfully assisted in the refloating of Greek owned bulk carrier Akiba which was grounded offshore Maputo, Mozambique. The salvage operation was conducted by Greek salvage company Five Oceans Salvage under a Lloyd’s Open Form.

When contracted, the Fairmount Glacier was mobilized from Cape Town, South Africa. On arrival offshore Maputo the salvage plan was discussed between the masters of Fairmount Glacier and Akiba, together with the salvage master.

At a second attempt the Fairmount Glacier refloated the 190 meter long Akiba, after which the bulk carrier was towed to an assigned safe anchor position where the damage to the vessel was determined. Later the Fairmount Glacier was asked to tow the Akiba toward Richards Bay, South Africa.

Upon arrival in Richards Bay, Akiba’s cargo was discharged and during this operation Fairmount Glacier remained on stand-by. After discharge operations had been completed Fairmount Glacier towed Akiba onward to Durban, where she went into dry dock.

April 25, 2012