Chinese ship refloated after three days immobilized at entrance to Port of Santos

The bulk carrier Shandong Xin Ze, flying the Chinese flag, was refloated on the morning of Wednesday (17), after remaining immobilized for three days near the access channel to the Port of Santos.

The refloating operation took place at 11 a.m., in an action coordinated by the São Paulo Port Authority (CPSP) and the Santos Port Authority (APS). To release the vessel, four tugboats from the specialized companies AWS and Svitzer were deployed, safely guiding the ship to Anchorage No. 6, a mooring area located outside the navigation channel.

The procedure was successfully completed, ensuring both navigational safety and the structural integrity of the ship. Navy technicians will carry out inspections on board to assess the vessel’s condition before authorizing the continuation of its voyage.

Authorities emphasized that there was no oil spill or any pollution in the Santos estuary. The dark coloration observed by some residents on the water’s surface was the result of sediment stirred up by navigation in shallow areas.

Recall the case
The Shandong Xin Ze, owned by Shandong Shipping Corporation, was carrying a cargo of fertilizers and suffered a machinery failure on Sunday (14), losing propulsion while maneuvering to enter the port.

Navigation in the Santos channel was interrupted for three hours on the day of the incident, but operations were normalized shortly afterward. During the period it remained grounded, the vessel was monitored by tugboats to prevent it from drifting into shallower areas.

The Port Authority has opened an Administrative Inquiry into Accidents and Navigation Incidents (IAFN) to investigate the causes of the accident.

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Source: Santa Portal

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