Q3 2021 Tsavliris Activities
M/V “NAVIOS AMARYLLIS”
On 19 August 2021, the craned Bulk Carrier M/V “NAVIOS AMARYLLIS” (GT 32,415 – DWT 58,735), grounded on Rasfari Reef in the North Male Atoll, Maldives. The vessel was on a voyage from Tuticorin, India to Saldanha Bay, South Africa, in ballast.
On the same day, Tsavliris mobilised tugs, namely the AHTS “VIRGO” (BHP 13,500 – BP 155) and “‘MAHA WEWA” (BHP 3,148 – BP 45) from Sri Lanka to her assistance. The salvage services developed into a major operation. Tsavliris assembled a fleet of support vessels (several highspeed workboats, two landing crafts, two barges, forklift, crane trucks etc). Additionally, an array of salvage equipment was airlifted from Dubai and Athens (including hydraulic pumps and accompanying hoses, powerpacks, also air compressors, antipollution booms, skimmers, dyneema ropes, drones etc).
All necessary environmental precautions were adopted in order to protect the environmentally sensitive area including encircling the vessel with a large inflatable boom. Tsavliris cooperated closely with the local authorities and engaged first-class subcontractors, including Environmental Pollution specialist “Polygreen” (Polyeco Group).
Before refloating the vessel, about 1,600 tonnes of bunker fuel and lubricants were transferred from lower to topside tanks to avoid any pollution risk. Underwater sealing of cracks was undertaken by divers team.
On 29 August, the casualty was successfully refloated without any oil spill and was anchored at the Male VLCC Anchorage Area. Tsavliris prepared the vessel for oceanic towage to repair yard.
The vessel dragged on numerous occasions due to adverse weather conditions (8-9 B) but was promptly supported/stabilised by the AHT “VIRGO which remains alongside the vessel pending departure under tow.
Rescue/Survey Vessel “OCEAN INVESTIGATOR”
In September Tsavliris arranged towage of the Rescue/Survey Vessel “OCEAN INVESTIGATOR” (GT 3,327 – DWT 2,690) from Ambelaki, Salamis Island, Greece, to Tuzla shipyard, Turkey, for maintenance/repairs.
Tsavliris despatched the AHTS “FOTEINI Z” (GT 495 – BHP 5,150)from Piraeus and towage commenced on 3 September. Due to adverse weather conditions (gale force winds 8 B and waves of 4 m.), the convoy altered course on 6 September in order to shelter for two days in the area south of “Turkeli Adasi & Pasalimani Adasi”.
During the Canakkale Strait passage, a coastal safety tug provided escort services. The convoy arrived at destination on 10 September and the operation was successfully completed on 12 September.
Motor Oil Hellas Refinery Anchorage
In September 2021, Tsavliris were mandated by Motor Oil Hellas (Vardinogiannis Group) to assist with their new project: an open sea anchorage at the energy group’s refinery, which is located in Agioi Theodoroi, Corinth, Greece.
Motor Oil had installed 14 large-scale anchors (connected in groups through a sinker to a mooring buoy) in order to accommodate large vessels up to the size of ULCC; one of the few ports in the Mediterranean that can accommodate such capacity.
Tsavliris deployed the AHTS “LEADER Z” (BP 130 – BHP 11,040), in conjunction with tug operator Zouros, for the tensioning tests of the mooring buoy anchoring system (pulling each anchor at over 125 tonnes). During the procedure, two of the anchors were dislocated and had to be securely reinstalled.
This was a complicated project involving extra safety measures and special calculations. The operation was completed successfully on 10 October.
Geared Container Vessel “ALION”
In September 2021, the Geared Container Vessel “ALION” (DWT 16,800 – GT 13,764), laden with 548 containers, experienced main engine breakdown off Duqm, Oman. During the incident the vessel was on a voyage from Mumbai, India, then Jebel Ali, UAE, to Mombasa, Kenya. Four armed guards were onboard due to passage through a high-risk piracy area.
On 21 September, Tsavliris despatched the AHT “TEJA” from her salvage station at Duqm to the assistance of the casualty, which at the time was adrift in the Arabian Sea, about 320 miles East of Socotra Island.
The tug arrived at the casualty’s position, on 24 September but due to adverse weather conditions (wind/waves/swell), tow connection was aborted following damage to towire and fender. Tow connection was made the next day and towage to Sharjah, UAE, commenced.
On 25 September, professional agents were appointed by Tsavliris to provide assistance to both tug and tow at port of Sharjah. On 2 October, the four armed guards disembarked the vessel by launch to their designated armoury vessel OPL Fujairah.
On 3 October, Tsavliris arranged for an assisting tail tug prior to approaching the congested anchorage area. On 5 October, the convoy arrived safely at Mina Khalid port, Sharjah and with the assistance of pilots (sea pilot) and port tugs (all arranged by salvors) the vessel berthed alongside at North Wharf. On 6 October, the tow line was disconnected and the operation was successfully completed.
Q3 2020 Tsavliris Activities
On 4 July 2020, the Bulk Carrier “OURANIA LUCK” (GT 39,126 – DWT 75,961), laden with 44,834 tonnes of Argentine maize in bulk, while performing downriver navigation, grounded at 398,5 KM Parana River, Argentina, blocking the navigation channel. During the incident the vessel was on passage from San Lorenzo, Argentina to Oman and Kuwait via Necochea.
Tsavliris despatched a salvage master, also engaged agents, an oil spill response company and a sounding boat. Moreover, Tsavliris deployed two tugs, namely the ZP T/B ‟BRUTUS‟ (BHP 5,400 – BP 72) from Rosario and the ZP T/B “RANQUEL” (BHP 4,500 – BP 78) from San Lorenzo, and a dive boat with divers for underwater inspection.
After all necessary surveys/preparations, the salvage operation (pulling, pushing, scouring) was carried out and on 5 July the casualty was refloated. On 6 July, the vessel anchored safely at General Lagos Roads, the tug “RANQUEL” was released, while the tug ‟BRUTUS‟ provided standby services until the Coastguard finalised all inspections. On the same day, the operation was completed successfully. Subsequently the diving survey was carried out at Necochea.
Bulk Carrier ‘’DINO’’
On 6 July 2020, the Bulk Carrier ‘’DINO’’ (GT 21,192 – DWT 33,371), loaded with 27,500 tonnes of maize and soya beans meal, grounded at 410 KM, Rosario, Parana River, Argentina.On 7 July, Tsavliris despatched the T/B ‘’BRUTUS’’ (BHP 5,400 – BP 72) from Rosario and a salvage master from Buenos Aires.On the same day, the vessel was refloated, anchored at the nearby anchorage area with the assistance of the tug and the operation was successfully completed.
Drilling Ship “DISCOVERER INDIA”
In July 2020, the Drilling Ship “DISCOVERER INDIA (GT 65,790 – DWT 63,583), arrived about 7 miles off Platygialy Port, Astakos, Greece, in order to go into layup. Due to her deep draft it was necessary to first offload her drilling equipment. The Deck Cargo Barge “AMT VENTURER” (GT 8,191 – NT 2,457) had been engaged to transport the equipment to the port for discharge ashore.During the period of 17 July – 8 August about 15 trips from/to the Drilling Ship and the Port were made by the Barge under tow, transporting cargo and transferring personnel.On 12 August, after completion of the cargo handling, the Drilling Ship was towed and berthed at Platygialy Port and the operation was successfully completed.The entire operation was undertaken by Tsavliris’ Patras-based tugs T/B “PROTEAS” (BHP 3,200 – BP 45) and S/T “HERMES” (BHP 2,725 – BP 43).
Passenger/Cruise Ship “AEGEAN MAJESTY”
On 16 September 2020, Tsavliris despatched their Patras-based S/T “HERMES” (BHP 2,725 – BP 43) to the assistance of the Passenger/Cruise Ship “AEGEAN MAJESTY” (GT 57,092 – DWT 6,604), while berthed at Katakolo Port, Peloponese, Greece, during the cyclone “Ianos”.On 17 September, the “HERMES” arrived and secured the vessel by pushing her towards the dock in order to prevent her mooring lines from further parting (they had partied on five occasions) during force 11/12 B gale and torrential rain.On 20 September, the operation was successfully completed.
11th Hydra Shipping Conference 2020
The 11th Hydra Shipping Conference was organised on 5 September 2020 on Hydra Island by the Fraternity of the Athenian Hydriots (www.aya.com.gr). The theme was “Greek Shipping, a factor of International Influence & National Defense of Greece”.
Mr George A. Tsavliris was the Chairman and Moderator of the 11th Annual Hydra Shipping Conference which, despite the Coronavirus difficulties, was entirely successful.
The conference was organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Shipping, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the International Propeller Club of the United States, the British Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, the Hellenic Marine Environment Association (HELMEPA), the Piraeus Marine Club, the Yacht Club of Greece, the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association (HSA), the Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Hellenic Shipping, the Project Connect with the program Adopt A Ship, Aigeas MAKE and Thanassis & Marina Martinos Foundation.
Q2 2019 Tsavliris Activities
On 12 May 2019, the Bunkering Tanker “A. MICHEL” (GRT 4,346 – DWT 6,711), laden with 1660 tonnes IFO 380 and 950 tonnes MGO, whilst anchored at Fujairah B anchorage, UAE, suffered an underwater explosion (reported as sabotage) by way of the engine room, causing an external gaping hole on her starboard side. This resulted in the vessel’s listing due to flooding and total black out.
Another three tankers were affected by similar explosions, namely the Crude Oil Tanker “AMJAD”, the Crude Oil Tanker “AL MARZOQAH” and the Product Tanker “MIRAJ”, according to officials in the UAE.
Tsavliris Salvage was engaged to provide salvage assistance to the “A. MICHEL”. On 14 May a salvage team was mobilised from Greece and boarded the casualty on 15 May. Messrs. Fairdeal Group Management & Atlantis Marine Services were appointed as salvors’ subcontractors and the tugs “ATLANTIS I” and “FAIR BEE” were engaged to assist the casualty.
Underwater inspections were carried out, along with skimming of the engine room. Electricity was provided with portable generators and the FiFi system was activated. Calculation studies for cargo discharging and for temporary repairs were prepared and submitted by Tsavliris to all parties concerned.
On 25 May 2019, the salvage operation was successfully completed.
On 12 March 2019, George Tsavliris received the 2019 GREEN4SEA Leadership Award at a prestigious award ceremony held at the Yacht Club of Greece in Piraeus.
Mr Tsavliris, Chairman of CYMEPA for over two decades, received the award for his leadership role within CYMEPA and other national and international Associations. The award was presented by Capt. Dimitris Mattheou, CEO of Arcadia Shipmanagement who said that “the supreme quality for leadership is integrity, honesty and strong moral principles; moral uprightness and George (Tsavliris) is generously gifted with all these virtues”.
The GREEN4SEA Leadership Award is a distinction awarded to an individual that provided industry leadership and / or contributed towards Greener and Sustainable Shipping.
On 5 May 2019, the Tsavliris Cultural Foundation, organised an Art Exhibition, themed “Sea & Shipping” at the Morfi Gallery in Limassol, Cyprus.
The Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms. Natasa Pilides, opened the ceremony and inspired with her words for the future of the shipping industry. She underlined the importance of both synergies and education and expressed her pleasure as the proceeds of the Exhibition will be used to fund a scholarship for a Master’s degree (MSc) in “Shipping and Finance”, at the Cyprus University of Technology, in Limassol.
The Mayor of Limassol Mr. Nicos Nicolaides outlined the importance of the Sea and Shipping for the city of Limassol, while the Director of the Limassol Archive Museum Mr. Mimis Sophocleous paralleled the “Wooden Walls” that saved the city of Athens in the ancient times, with the new “Wooden Walls” that have lifted Limassol and in extension Cyprus and its economy.
The aim of the Tsavliris Cultural Foundation is to promote the spiritual and artistic creativity of people who contribute to the questioning and quest for a better society such as artists, intellectuals, thinkers on civilisation, society, education and culture.