A Gulf Navigation combined chemical and oil tanker is reportedly under tow after suffering a water ingress in its engine room.
The 45,951-dwt Gulf Deffi (built 2009) suffered the ingress en route from Saudi Arabia to South Korea, according to cargo claims consultant WK Webster.
“As a result of the water ingress, the vessel is without power and salvage assistance is being provided by professional salvors who have been contracted on Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF) terms,” the claims consultancy said.
WK Webster said the vessel is understood to be heading to Zhoushan anchorage in China for a ship-to-ship operation following which the cargo, being various chemical products, will be delivered to ports in South Korea.
“Delays are expected due to adverse weather conditions in the area including storm Khanun,” WK Webster said.
On Wednesday, US news network CNN reported that the Chinese capital Beijing had suffered severe flooding caused by the heaviest rainfall in 140 years.
Typhoon Khanun packed winds of 220 km — the equivalent of a Category 4 Atlantic hurricane — as it made its nearest pass to Japan’s south-western Okinawa islands early on Wednesday.
“Consequently, salvage security will be required to be provided by a party acceptable to the salvors or the council of Lloyd’s on behalf of cargo interests,” WK Webster said.
“If general average is declared, general average security may also be required from all cargo interests prior to the delivery of their cargo.”
The claims consultancy said it was “already assisting” cargo interests on board the vessel but gave no further details.
“We have retained suitable chemical experts and investigators in connection with establishing the condition of the cargo and the cause of the water ingress respectively,” it said.
“These experts will help evidence any recovery claims in respect of any physical damage to cargo and salvage indemnity claims.”
The Saudi Arabia-flagged Gulf Deffi is one of a series of four sister ships built by South Korea’s Hyundai Mipo Dockyard between 2008 and 2009.
With a capacity of 54,300 cubic metres and 20 specially coated cargo tanks, the scrubber-fitted ship is classed as an IMO Type II chemical carrier with the capability of carrying a broad range of petrochemical products.
