Paragon Offshore’s drillship that was blocking the entrance to the Port of Corpus Christi after running aground due to Hurricane Havey has been recovered and towed to Gulf Marine Fabricators in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The drillship Paragon DPDS1, which broke loose from its moorings and ran aground in Aransas Pass, was recovered on September 4, according to an update from the US Coast Guard.
Paragon told World Maritime News earlier that the rig had been lighted to ensure that any contact by vessels in the channel can be avoided.
Furthermore, based on an initial survey, topside damage to the vessel has been detected, however, no hull damage was observed in accessible areas and there was no indication of pollution.
“This salvage was an incredibly complex effort achieved only through tremendous collaboration between the Port Authority, pilots, industry stakeholders, the salvage company and the Coast Guard,” said Coast Guard captain of the port, Capt. Tony Hahn .
The vessel has been removed as the Port of Corpus Christi works to restore normal operations.
According to the latest update, the port is open, but only for vessels restricted to a draft of no more than 43-feet.
The first vessel to enter the inner harbor in the hurricane aftermath was the 51,500 DWT oil/chemical tanker High Saturn, owned by US-based Diamond S Shipping.
All foreign registered vessels with 100 gross registered tons or larger, all domestic tank vessels with 10,000 gross registered tons or larger, and all domestic non-tank vessels 1,600 gross registered tons or larger must conduct one-way transit only and have a minimum of two pilots for each transit.
The vessels are allowed to transit during daylight hours only.
Texas and Louisiana Gulf coast ports are busy trying to restore normal operations after the hurricane.
Ports of Galveston, Houston, and Texas City have also resorted to the restricted opening while Freeport and Brownsville are open without restrictions.
World Maritime News Staff