A Greek LPG carrier has been refloated and allowed to continue its voyage after grounding off Egypt.
Egypt’s See website cited the Ministry of Environment as saying the 15,000-cbm Claudia Gas (built 1990) was freed in the Gulf of Aqaba on Friday, after suffering an engine malfunction.
A photo released by the ministry appeared to show the ship aground near a beach.
The Liberia-flag vessel headed to the Egyptian port of Sharm El-Sheikh while an investigation was completed and any environmental damage assessed.
Environment minister Yasmine Fouad ordered the level of emergency preparedness to be raised at the Marine Pollution Control Centre in Sharm El-Sheikh, in case of any fuel leak. None was reported
A full follow-up was also initiated regarding legal and technical procedures, the report said.
AIS data showed the gas carrier underway on Monday, heading for the Suez Canal.
It was reported to be in ballast.
The operator is Zeus Lines Management of Athens, which has been contacted for comment.
Insurance cover is provided by the West of England P&I Club.
The Claudia Gas was checked by port state control inspectors in Aqaba in February.
Three deficiencies were identified, relating to the international air pollution prevention certificate not being properly filled in; a lack of familiarity with Marpol regulations relating to oil and oil mixtures in machinery spaces; and inoperative gauges for propulsion and auxiliary machinery.
The LPG carrier was last detained in Russia in 2017 with seven faults.
