Authorities fail to refloat ore vessel in Maranhão

Two attempts to refloat the ship Forte São Felipe failed on Sunday (02/18) in Maranhão. The vessel, carrying 23,000 tonnes of bauxite, ran aground in the Estreito dos Coqueiros navigation channel, which provides access to the private terminal of the Maranhão Aluminum Consortium (Alumar).

The Forte de São Felipe, flying the Brazilian flag, measures 229 meters and departed from the Port of Juruti, in Pará, loaded with 58,000 tonnes of bauxite. During the unloading of the cargo last Saturday (02/17), a crane at the port experienced issues, and the operation was halted.

The ship was instructed to maneuver so that the operation could continue on the other side of the vessel. Then, the Forte de São Felipe became stranded due to low tide.

The first attempt to refloat the ship occurred at 1:39 a.m. on Sunday and lasted nearly three hours. However, due to the severity of the “settling of the ship on the bed where it is,” it was unsuccessful.

A second operation, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, also failed. Six tugboats were used, but they proved insufficient to “push” the vessel into deeper waters.

Now, authorities intend to lighten the ship’s load and await a higher tide. The peak tide, at 5.9 meters, is expected to occur only on the 27th.

In a statement to the press, Alumar clarified that the consortium does not control or operate the ship. However, they still, offered support to the Pilotage, the shipowner, and the competent authorities.

Source: A Tribuna

Click here to read the original text in Portuguese: https://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/portomar/navio-permanece-encalhado-no-maranhao

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