NYK Line president Hitoshi Nagasawa said his company will continue to support the owner and manager of one of its chartered bulkers, which broke in two off the port of Hachinohe in northern Japan.
The 49,549-dwt woodchip carrier Crimson Polaris (built 2006) suffered catastrophic structural failure after grounding on 11 August in heavy weather, causing a fuel oil leak that spread more than 24 km (15 miles).
Nagasawa’s comments came as the forward section of the ship was brought alongside at the port for the safe removal of the cargo and remaining bunkers.
More than 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil is estimated to be held in the section.
Nagasawa said that responding to such incidents is largely the responsibility of the shipowner, but NYK is cooperating with the salvage and pollution control as part of its commitment to social responsibility.
“Currently, the shipowner, Doun Kisen Co Ltd, together with the ship-management company, Misuga Kaiun Co Ltd, is working to minimise the damage caused by the oil spill and bring the situation to a timely conclusion,” Nagasawa said.
“As the charterer, we have been providing maximum cooperation to the response, utilising our company’s network and materials, and dispatching personnel to assist the shoreside clean-up operation,” he added.
The operation to remove fuel from the vessel is expected to be completed by mid-September. The cargo is expected to be removed by the end of the month.
The fuel has leaked from the stern section, which still sits about 4 km outside the port.
All the remaining fuel is in the forward section and it seems unlikely there will be any further spillage.
Nagasawa said NYK will continue to be active in the oil-pollution clearance operation.
“We intend to continue with these efforts, under the direction of the Maritime Disaster Prevention Centre in line with the Covid-19 measures that are in place,” Nagasawa said.
The salvage operation has been continually disrupted and delayed by heavy weather in the region.
The ship’s protection and indemnity insurance is with the Japan P&I Club.
