Front Hakata, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) owned by John Fredriksen’s Ship Finance International, which was adrift following an engine fire, has been taken under tow, according to the Japanese Ministry of Land, Transport and Tourism.
原油タンカー FRONT HAKATA(311363000) L：332m callsign：C6SJ7 (16ch 156.800/12ch 156.600)
※機関故障により漂流中 pic.twitter.com/ipIebM6cOo
— JJ1JDH/外神田AK49A (@1Ak49) August 6, 2018
The ship suffered an engine room fire on August 5 while anchored near Chiba Prefecture, Japan, fully loaded as it was pending docking in Chiba.
According to local reports, the fire has been extinguished and there is no danger of it spreading to cargo tanks. There have been no injuries to the 25 crew members on board and no reports of environmental pollution.
海上保安庁 ヘリ1機搭載大型巡視船 PLH-05 ざおう( 431383000) callsign:8KPB 130.300/134.500 29ch 157.710/40ch 158.350 (16ch 156.800/12ch 156.600)
※機関故障により漂流中のFRONT HAKATA(311363000)に並進中 pic.twitter.com/NSZqa5FSFf
— JJ1JDH/外神田AK49A (@1Ak49) August 6, 2018
Based on the ship’s AIS data, it has changed course, away from its planned unloading destination. The final destination of the ship is unknown. At this point, the extent of damages to the ship, together with the cause of the fire are yet to be determined.
World Maritime News Staff