The 1988-built product tanker Theresa Arctic, which ran aground off the coast of Kilifi in Kenya on June 20, could soon be refloated, according to local media .
The Netherlands-based SMIT Salvage, as well as the local salvage company Alpha Logistics were reportedly hired to undertake the refloating operation.
The vessel, which was loaded with 27,500 mt of vegetable oil at the time of the incident, is set to undergo lightering operations. Four tugs are currently deployed in the area to hold the ship in place.
Local media cited Kenya Ports Authority’s spokesperson as saying that the 84,000 dwt ship could be refloated on June 28.
There were no reports of injuries or water pollution in the area following the grounding.
Theresa Arctic was sailing from Malaysia to Kenya when it ran into trouble.
World Maritime News Staff