YU ZHOU QI HANG

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Dongfang Builder assisted in preventing oil spill

Due to the potential threat to the national park’s ecosystem at the coast of Yeliu, New Taipei City, by the 250 tons of heavy oil, the 'Yu Zhou Qi Hang'' was carrying, the Dongfang Wind Power quickly mobilized resources to prevent an ecological disaster. Wind Power promptly dispatched the engineering vessel 'Dongfang Builder', which is equipped with a dynamic positioning system (DP2) and a 250-ton dynamic compensation crane, ensuring stability even in complex sea conditions for high-difficulty operations, which arrived at Keelung Port on Nov 8 to begin preparations for the oil removal. Due to the rocky terrain at the grounding site and waves reaching up to four meters, the site was highly risky. To address this, Dongfang Wind Power deployed three elite surveying teams to conduct a detailed seabed survey, laying a solid foundation for subsequent operations. Under the strong influence of the northeast monsoon, the window of opportunity for construction was extremely limited. However, the Dongfang Wind Power team overcame the challenging conditions. Logistics personnel climbed cliffs to install positioning equipment, while the survey teams operated small boats in rough waves to carry out precise measurements. With the help of advanced dynamic positioning and lifting technology, the crew aboard the 'Dongfang Builder' successfully completed the precise equipment lifting, allowing the oil extraction work to proceed smoothly.

Attempts to drain fuel failed so far

Taiwan has rejected allegations by China on Nov. 13, that it turned down requests by the “Yu Zhou Qi Hang” to seek shelter in Keelung Port before the typhoon hit. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) alleged the crew had asked to return to Keelung before Typhoon Kong-rey arrived, but Taiwan’s Maritime and Port Bureau replied they had made no such request, The crew wanted to leave Keelung before the typhoon and decided on their direction by themselves, the bureau said. Since the ship was carrying at least 290 tons of oil products, efforts were launched to prevent an oil spill from affecting the New Taipei coastline. However, since Nov. 2, several attempts at pumping out the oil were abandoned due to rough weather. The Ministry of Transportation wanted a new try to go ahead on Nov. 14, with the task to be completed within two weeks. The necessary equipment has been affixed to the “Yu Zhou Qi Hang,” but the approach of another typhoon, Usagi, might complicate the work. The Central Weather Administration was expected to issue sea warnings for the storm early on Nov 14, with land warnings likely to follow later in the day at the earliest.

Fear of oil spill days after grounding

The "Yu Zhou Qi Hang" has led the authorities to fear a risk of an oil spill. Oil booms have been installed as a precaution at the entrances to three local fishing ports and at the water inlet of the Kuosheng nuclear power plant. The vessel had 247 tons of heavy fuel oil and 37 tons of diesel, as well as 6,280 liters of lubricating oil on board. Authorities began trying to siphon the oil from the tanks on Nov 2. The New Taipei Environmental Protection Bureau said the ship’s owners will be held accountable and was required to take emergency measures to prevent pollution. Failure to do so could result in a fine of $940,000. Report with video: https://lemarin.ouest-france.fr/faits-divers/accidents-en-mer/video-le-transporteur-chinois-et-ses-grues-renversees-font-craindre-une-maree-noire-9bd65566-9a91-11ef-940c-520b50887c11