A Chinese-controlled bulker that put South African authorities on high alert nearly three months ago is likely to resume service soon, after the last of its compromised cargo is dumped at open sea.
The 56,700-dwt NS Qingdao (built 2011) was releasing toxic fumes into the atmosphere in the port of Durban at the end of October when the sodium metabisulphite it was carrying reacted with rain.
The ship was evacuated and no injuries were reported.
In an update on Wednesday, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) said the geared supramax has suffered "no obvious structural damage" from the incident.
"Structural specialists will ... conduct an assessment to ensure that the integrity of the vessel is intact before allowing her to sail onward to her destination," it added.
This is not expected before late March, however.
The ship, which is listed under the management of Ningbo-based YKJ Shipping Co, will first have to travel about 250 km (135 nautical miles) from the closest point to land to dump about 1,500 tonnes of reacting cargo at sea, in depths exceeding 3km.
That is the last remaining cargo on board the vessel after salvors removed a first batch of about 1,000 tons at St Helena Bay, the ship's current location.
"An emergency dumping permit has been obtained from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment to dump the reacting cargo at sea," Samsa said.
Dumping is expected to be completed by 15 March.
Sodium metabisulphite, also known as sodium pyrosulphite, is used as a disinfectant, antioxidant and preservative agent for food and beverages.
Owners, insurers and salvors are said to be cooperating on the matter.
