SFI’s Fire-Stricken Super Tanker Taken under Tow

August 7, 2018

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.

Image Courtesy: 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