Mitsui OSK Lines, charterer of the bulk carrier that grounded off Mauritius causing widespread pollution, says it has successfully removed all the remaining fuel onboard the vessel.
There were 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil on board the 203,000-dwt Wakashio (built 2007) when it grounded at Pointe d’Esny on 25 July, of which 1,000 tonnes leaked out into the surrounding reef.
MOL said all the remaining quantity of 3,000 tonnes has been transferred from the wreck’s fractured fuel tanks onto small tankers.
The 902-dwt Elise (built 2011) and the 2,924-dwt Tresta Star (built 2019) were used in the operation to remove fuel from the Wakashio.
The focus now turns to cleaning up pollution befalling local beaches and reefs. MOL said: “A skilled oil spill response team has been activated and equipped with specialist spill remediation equipment. Including skimmers, pumps and absorbents to contain and clean up the oil in compliance with regulation and in line with the local authorities’ guidance.”
Smit Salvage has been appointed under a Lloyd's Open Form contract to handle the salvage operation.
The hull of the Wakashio, however, is close to breaking up. MOL said a fracture in the hull has continued to expand and is being continually monitored by a team of experts. A tug has secured a line to the hull to prevent it from breaking away should it split into two.
MOL charters the vessel from private Japanese owning company Nagashiki Shipping.
MOL has been assisting Nagashiki in handling the incident. “MOL is doing everything possible to support the efforts of owner and manager, Nagashiki Shipping, and their appointed teams in mitigating the effects of the spill," MOL said, adding: "MOL deplores any incident of oil pollution and continues to offer support to all involved in the response.”
