Stricken chemical tanker Maritime Maisie finds SKorean refuge after 100-day ordeal

After almost 100 days at sea following a severe collision and fire, the chemical tanker Maritime Maisie, owned by Singapore based MSI Ship Management, has been given refuge in Korea, LLoyd's Register reports.

The Hong Kong-flagged tanker was carrying an estimated 30,000 tons of a hazardous cargo when it was involved in a collision with a Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) near the port of Busan in December last year, subsequently catching fire.

The ship has since been held at sea by tugs with the Japanese and South Korean governments unwilling to give it refuge due to the hazardous nature of its cargo and the severe damage to the hull, despite the risk of a wider environmental disaster if it breaks up and sinks. Poor weather conditions in January and February and prolonged exposure to swells of up to four metres high have complicated matters further and may also have contributed further damage.

LR’s response provided a breadth of service that has set a new standard, even supporting the client with media activity – virtually unprecedented for a classification society during such an incident. LR’s global press release described our expert assessment of the ship’s condition at a time when it was far from certain a safe port would be provided. This release made the front page of Lloyd’s List, the leading maritime website, positioning Lloyd’s Register as a technical leader and showing that LR could not only act in a technical capacity but also provide influential public commentary to further support a client’s goals.

Now, after the vessel is in the port, LR will be involved in overseeing the safe unloading of the cargo, cleaning of the ship and a full assessment of the vessel to see if she can be salvaged. Further assistance for the safe movement to a repair or recycling facility will also be required.

Lloyd's Register Group Limited (LR) is a global engineering, technical and business services organisation and a maritime classification society, wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a UK charity dedicated to research and education in science and engineering. The organisation dates back to 1760. Its stated aims are to enhance the safety of life, property and the environment by helping its clients to ensure the quality construction and operation of critical infrastructure.