A Greek VLCC is being repaired off the coast of Portugal after losing propulsion last week.
The 319,000-dwt Nissos Rhenia (built 2019) broke down 36.6km from Viana do Castelo, the Lusa news agency reported.
AIS data showed the Okeanis Eco Tankers vessel with “restricted manoeuvrability” on Tuesday morning.
The tanker had left Jubail in Saudi Arabia on 17 September.
It was scheduled in Le Havre, France, on 31 October.
“The National Maritime Authority has given us every assurance that there are no risks. We have to trust the authorities that have direct responsibility,” Viana do Castelo mayor Luis Nobre told Lusa.
“The municipality is attentive and will be a partner in any eventuality or request that may arise,” he added.
Portugal’s maritime authority and the navy said the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker suffered a “breakdown in its engine, leaving it without propulsion”.
Repairs began on Thursday, with a team of technicians being flown in.
The work is expected to continue this week.
The mayor said the operation was “complex” as it was taking place “in the middle of the sea rather than at a dock”.
Tow line secured
The Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre had alerted the navy and the maritime authority.
The navy sent the corvette NRP Antonio Enes to the position of the 330-metre VLCC.
The corvette contacted the tanker and monitored navigation in the area to ensure safe passage for other ships.
A tow line has been secured and the vessel will remain off the coast with its crew of 28 until repairs are completed.
Okeanis has been contacted for further information.
The VLCC is insured by Gard in Norway.
It has been inspected six times by port state control inspectors, without a single deficiency being found.
