- According to Polaris shipping official statement, VLOC bulk carrier Stellar Banner was nearly capsized.
- The officials said that the ship’s hull integrity in fore section was compromised in two places when the ship was leaving port. List development was due to water ingress.
- There was some damage to ballast water tanks and void space, although the extent of damage to be further established. All cargo holds are believed to be intact and the situation is under control.
- The vessel was shifted to a safer area for damage and safety assessment.
VLOC bulk carrier Stellar Banner loaded with ore developed listed to the starboard side, with cargo deck partially under water, reports Mikhail Voytenko for Maritime Bulletin.
The incident happened at around 0000 UTC February 25, north of Sao Luis, Brazil. The ship left port of Ponta da Madeira, Brazil, on February 24, bound for Qingdao.
The ship reportedly suffered water ingress in cargo hold or holds, or probably it was cargo shift. As of 1700 UTC February 26, the ship remains afloat, with AIS on.
At least 4 tugs and SAR ships are engaged in salvage. It is said, that they’re trying to tow giant ship to shallow waters, to prevent sinking. Crew members were reported to be safe.
Update on February 27
Stellar Banner is reported aground in position 01 46S 043 42W. She was intentionally grounded to avoid capsizing and sinking, and thankfully, there was suitable bank nearby. The ship is loaded with 294,000 tons of ore.
The officials said that the ship’s hull integrity in fore section was compromised in two places when the ship was leaving port.
Water ingress caused the list development. The vessel was grounded by Master while under way, saving the ship from sinking.
Update on February 27: Polaris Shipping Official Statement
Polaris Shipping Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea 27th February 2020 13:00 KST
Polaris Shipping, the operator of the Very Large Ore Carrier, MV Stellar Banner (300,660 DWT, 2016 Built) report that the vessel made contact with an unidentified shallow sea bed after departing Ponta Da Madeira, Brazil on 24th February at approx. 21:30 hours local time.
All crew members are safe and no water pollution has been reported.
As a result of the incident, some ballast water tanks and void space suffered damage although the extent of damage to be further established. All cargo holds are believed to be intact and the situation is under control.
The vessel was shifted to a safer area, in order to assess damage and secure its own safety. Proper inspections will be carried out by class/underwriter surveyors and a salvage company has been arranged for dealing with the situation.
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Source: Maritime Bulletin
