200 emergencies within world tanker fleet in January-September 2006

In the 9-month period of 2006 there were 200 emergency cases in the world tanker fleet, Erik Rainheim, manager of research and new projects of Intertanko company, told at the III Annual International Forum of Fuel Trade and Bunkering arranged by Vostock Capital. According to Rainheim, collision of vessels caused 33% of emergency situations. Hull damage and trouble in engine compartment was the cause of 24% of emergency situations, in 19% of cases the vessels took the ground, while 10% of cases were caused by fire or explosion. Erik Rainheim noted that emergency situations are more frequent for oil-tank barges though mss media often call them tankers, which entails incorrect information. Besides, Erik Rainheim told that spill of heavy fuel oil is much more difficult to respond compared to oil spill.