Hoegh Osaka Back In Southampton After 20 Days

19 Day Salvage of Hoegh Osaka in Southampton

23.01.2015

The Hoegh Osaka - Car Carrier Back in Port of Southampton After 19 Day Salvage Operation

The ‘Hoegh Osaka’ was towed back into the Port of Southampton on Thursday 22nd January after a 19 day salvage operation.

The situation began on Saturday 3rd January as the ‘Hoegh Osaka’ car transporter ship left the Port of Southampton, UK at 20:20 GMT. The 180 metre ( 590 foot ) 51,000 ton vessel was heading to Germany, with a valuable cargo of motor cars and plant, when it developed a significant angle of heel and nearly capsized.

To save the ship the ‘Hoegh Osaka’ was deliberately run aground on to the Bramble Bank, near the entrance to Southampton Water, at 21:30 GMT.

Four RNLI Lifeboats, four tug boats and the Solent Coastguard helicopter were involved in the rescue operation that took the 25 man crew to safety as the vessel settled on the Bramble Bank with a list in excess of 45 degrees.

19 Days - The Mission to Refloat and Salvage the Hoegh Osaka

These 19 days are a record of the combined resources and skills that an outstanding group of maritime professionals brought together to stabilise the situation, keep one of the world's busiest ports running smoothly and achieve a successful outcome.

Congratulations to the Maritime Coastguard Agency, Port of Southampton, Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth, UK Maritime Pilots, ABP, Svitzer, RNLI, rescue services, tug operators, the salvage team, vessel owners and all involved in the operation.

Small vessels supporting the ship recovery operation included tugs, diving support, harbour authorities, maritime pilots, police, photographers and media boats.

Credit for images, plus accurate and timely updates, goes to the MCA Press Office who kept the local public and global media well informed at all times.

Solent Tides and UK Winter Weather add to the Salvage Challenge

The waters of The Solent experience significant tides. During the early hours of Saturday 10th January winds in The Solent exceeded 70 knots - and during the night of Friday 16th January winds around the 'Hoegh Osaka' reached 60 knots…

3 January: The listing Hoegh Osaka is grounded on Bramble Bank

Sunday, 4 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 11.40
UPDATE: CAR CARRIER AGROUND NEAR COWES
The car carrier ‘Hoegh Osaka’ remains grounded on the Bramble Bank in the Solent. All crew members were evacuated from the vessel overnight by Coastguard rescue helicopter and RNLI lifeboats. There is no reported pollution from the vessel which remains listing at 45 degrees and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Counter Pollution Team will continue to monitor the vessel which is currently assessed as being stable. The vessel's owners have appointed the salvage company Svitzer and a salvage team is on its way to the scene today to make an initial assessment. Salvage plans will be developed by Svitzer and reviewed by the Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage & Intervention, (SOSREP). There is no impact on vessels transiting the Solent as the vessel is not within a shipping channel. The incident started on Saturday evening, when the vessel grounded on the Bramble Bank, in the Solent.

Sunday, 4 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 16.33
CAR CARRIER - MEDIA INVITED TO MEDIA BRIEFING IN SOUTHAMPTON
Media only are invited to attend a media briefing about the vessel ‘Hoegh Osaka’ at 6.30pm Sunday evening at the Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton. Speakers attending include the vessel owners, the Port Authority and the Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention.

Sunday, 4 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 19.16
SALVORS APPOINTED FOR CAR CARRIER HOEGH OSAKA
The car carrier remains aground on Bramble Bank this evening and has a 52 degree list and has been assessed as stable. Hoegh Autoliners, the owners of the vessel Hoegh Osaka, have appointed Svitzer as the salvage company for the vessel. Hugh Shaw, the Secretary Of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention convened a meeting earlier today with the key stakeholders involved has said,
"I am confident that the vessel owners are working professionally and promptly and have appointed salvors who arrived on scene early this morning and have already started work to assess options for salvage and the removal of the vessel. Further salvage personnel and salvage equipment is expected to arrive on scene tonight. Further assessments will be carried out over the next few days and these will assist the salvage team to formulate a suitable salvage plan. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Counter Pollution Team continue to monitor the situation but there is no sign of pollution from the vessel. For safety reasons there is a 200 metre exclusion zone around the grounded vessel.

Monday, 5 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 13.58
UPDATE: CAR CARRIER AGROUND NEAR COWES
The car carrier ‘Hoegh Osaka’ remains grounded on the Bramble Bank in the Solent. Salvors from Svitzer have today boarded the vessel. There remains no reported pollution from the vessel which rests listing at 45 degrees. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Counter Pollution Team will continue to monitor the vessel which is currently assessed as being stable. Salvage plans are being developed by Svitzer and will be reviewed by the Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage & Intervention, (SOSREP). For safety reasons there is a 200 metre exclusion zone around the grounded vessel and a 1 mile and 2,000 ft air exclusion zone. There is no impact on vessels transiting the Solent as the vessel is not within a shipping channel.

Tuesday, 6 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 16.34
UPDATE: HOEGH OSAKA
Over the last 24 hours the salvors have been making an on board assessments of the vessel. The cargo is still in position. On one deck plant has moved and caused a slight crack in the hull. There has been a small ingress of water below the water line but this was rapidly dealt with when discovered by the salvors and there is no evidence of pollution. The salvors are continuing with their assessment and depending on the outcome of their findings today the salvors will either work to secure the ship in preparation for the expected bad weather or, if the opportunity arises, to refloat it. We do not expect to be in a position to confirm which of these options will happen before first light tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

Tuesday, 6 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 21.54
UPDATE: ON RE-FLOAT OF HOEGH OSAKA
Following the completion of the salvors calculations this evening it has been decided that there will not be an attempt to refloat the Hoegh Osaka tomorrow. The salvors calculations revealed that more water has entered the vessel than previously thought. The preparation for the refloat will therefore take longer than the weather window will allow tomorrow. The alternative option of securing the Hoegh Osaka will be followed and preparations for the re-float will continue when the weather allows.

Wednesday, 7 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 14.51
UPDATE: HOEGH OSAKA
The vessel has self-floated at high water and the intention is to tow her to a holding position in Southampton Water pending a full assessment of her condition. A decision on the next phase of the salvage operation will be made after the assessment.

Wednesday, 7 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 16.31
UPDATE: HOEGH OSAKA BEING MOVED
The ship self floated at 1.55pm and all salvors had left the vessel safely. The list of the ship is unchanged and the vessel is currently under tow to a preferred holding position 2 miles east of the original grounding position. This new location is inside the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth (QHM) jurisdiction and is close to the area called Spitbank. Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth has established a temporary exclusion zone of 300 metres around the vessel. Only exempt vessels are to enter the exclusion zone. The tow to the new position is being carried out by Svitzer, the salvors, and the new holding position will allow a full assessment of her condition. Disruption to the Port of Southampton is minimal; there will be a slight restriction in traffic movements until the Hoegh Osaka is clear of the main channel, but no closure of the port is anticipated.

Thursday, 8 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 15.26
UPDATE: HOEGH OSAKA - 8 JAN 2015
The vessel is currently stable at the anchorage. Three tugs kept it in place overnight despite some high winds in the early hours. Up to 3000 tons of water is estimated to be on the vessel. Work will start today, when the weather improves, to pump this water off. An oily film has formed on top of this water from the hydraulics of the vehicles on board. The salvors will use a technique that draws the water from the bottom of the vessel to avoid this oily film. The removal of this water should reduce the vessel’s list. Before the vessel can be moved back to the Port of Southampton salvage work needs to be completed which will take between five and seven days. This work includes a hull inspection by divers, the removal of the water that entered the ship through the now-repaired crack, and ballasting operations to reduce the list. Salvage teams are on board the vessel today and The Queen’s Harbour Master has now introduced an exclusion zone of 300m to remove the risk to leisure users of the Solent. Forecasts predict worsening weather at 0300 on Friday, which abates during the morning before picking up again at 1500 and reaching very high winds Saturday morning.

Friday, 9 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 12.09
UPDATE: HOEGH OSAKA - 9 JAN 2015
The vessel has been held by an anchor on the Alpha Anchorage overnight. Weather conditions on scene have eased and the salvors boarded the vessel at 8.30am to prepare for the removal of water from the vessel. This lengthy operation is expected to get underway today and continue during daylight hours over the weekend. During the operation to remove the water inside the list of the vessel will be constantly monitored. Because of the weather conditions on-scene divers are still waiting to carry out a further inspect of the hull. They are standing-by and will dive as soon as conditions permit. There is no evidence of pollution.

Saturday, 10 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 11.09
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 10 JAN 15
The vessel has been held by an anchor on the Alpha Anchorage for another night. During the night due to very high winds the vessel dragged anchor for approximately 100m. This has not changed the state of the vessel in anyway. The list has not altered and there is still no evidence of pollution. During the time the Hoegh Osaka dragged anchor, between 4am to 5am this morning, the Queen Mary 2 was coming into port reporting 72 knot winds. Two tugs remain attached to the Hoegh Osaka, one fore and one aft. The aim is to attach another tug to the bow if weather permits. The weather conditions today are unsafe for the salvors to board to finalise pumping arrangements.

Sunday, 11 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 12.14
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 11 JAN 15
The vessel remains at anchor on the Alpha Anchorage. Yesterday weather conditions prevented any activity on the vessel other than to connect the third tug. Unfortunately, during the afternoon, one of the two tugs already in place moved from her position and collided with the Hoegh Osaka. There were no injuries to personnel, but the tug received some damage and it was replaced by another tug. No pollution occurred during this incident. The main concern at the moment is the weather and the forecast for continuing high winds in the coming week. Plans are being refined to meet the challenges this presents. In particular, the salvors now intend to start ballasting work before pumping the 3000t of water out of the vessel. They have managed to board the ship today and will ensure the pump is working, but they will also look at the ballast system.

Monday, 12 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 11.35
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 12 JAN 15
The vessel remains held in position at anchor on the Alpha Anchorage. Yesterday, the salvors pumped water for 1-2 hours; there was no discharge of oil. They checked the ballast system. They intend rigging another pump in the lower hold to pump into the ship’s tanks as well as overboard. However, all salvage activity is highly dependent on the weather, which is forecast to be very poor this week, peaking at 1800 on Wednesday to 0600 Thursday. The port is considering taking the pilot off the scene because the worsening weather will make it harder to relieve them at the end of shift, subject to discussion with the salvors. Vessel Traffic System contact will be maintained and, if necessary, a pilot could be returned to the scene. Although it is still some way off, plans for the vessel’s return to dock continue, to ensure the discharge of cargo is done safely and access policed / restricted as appropriate.

Monday, 12 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 17.06
HOEGH OSAKA - MEDIA INVITED TO MEDIA BRIEFING IN SOUTHAMPTON
Media only are invited to attend a media briefing about the vessel ‘Hoegh Osaka’ at 12.45pm Tuesday 13 Jan 2015 at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency HQ, Spring Place, 105 Commercial Rd, Southampton SO15 1EG. Speakers attending include, Hugh Shaw the Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention, a representative from the salvage company; Svizters and the Port Authority.

Tuesday, 13 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 14.33
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 13 JAN 15
The vessel remains held in position at anchor on the Alpha Anchorage. The weather in the Solent is good and the waters reasonably calm. This weather window will allow two new pumps to be installed and if the weather continues to be favourable, for the divers to inspect the hull. The salvors will use a dedicated helicopter to transport them to and from the ship. This helicopter is expected to arrive on scene this afternoon. The tug that was damaged in the contact incident during the bad weather at the weekend is repaired and back on scene. However, because all salvage activity is highly dependent on the weather the activity on scene is likely to be curtailed tomorrow as the forecast is for strengthening winds reaching a peak between 1800 Wednesday and 0600 Thursday. The salvors are confident what with the anchor and three tugs connected the strong winds should not present a problem for holding the ship in place and have extensive contingency plans for any unexpected ship movements.

Wednesday, 14 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 13.50
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 14 JAN 15
The vessel remains held in position at anchor on the Alpha Anchorage. The weather forecast for tonight remains high winds. All precautions are in place to hold the ship during this period. Current expectations are that the weather will permit salvage work to be progressed over the weekend. The salvor’s helicopter is now on scene. A temporary danger area or air exclusion zone around the ship has been established of 1 mile around and 2000ft high to facilitate helicopter operations. No diving took place yesterday, but there was more progress in testing the water pumps deployed on the ship and its ballast system.

Thursday, 15 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 13.53
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 15 JAN 15
The Hoegh Osaka held overnight. Later today salvors will go on board the vessel via helicopter and boat. They will carry out some pump testing and may begin some internal ballasting operations. The weather tonight will be windy again, however the forecast from tomorrow will be favourable, meaning that salvors can press on with operations. Discussions are underway regarding arrangements for bringing the vessel into port.

Friday, 16 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 12.31
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 16 JAN 15
Winds in the Solent around the Hoegh Osaka reached 60 knots last night. She was held secure by the tugs. The salvors are aboard the vessel adjusting the ballast system and hope to start pumping water from the car decks over the next 24 hours. If the good weather continues to allow the salvors to work we will hope there will be a reduction in the list of the vessel over the next few days. Divers are hoping to carry out an inspection of the hull today.

Saturday, 17 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 12.31
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 17 JAN 15
The ship continues to be stable and the salvors ongoing ballasting operations have now reduced the list to 48 degrees. The divers yesterday successfully carried out a limited inspection of the Hoegh Osaka’s hull. This inspection indicated that there is no significant damage. The operation to pump water from the vessel’s lower car deck started at 11am today.

Sunday, 18 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 12.28
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 18 JAN 15
The ship continues to be stable and, at this point in the salvors ongoing operations, the ship continues to list at 48 degrees. Yesterday the operation to pump water from the vessel’s lower car decks removed approximately 800 tons of clean water. The operation will continue today but progress will be slower as divers have to reposition the pump to ensure only clean water is discharged. The operation is going well, nevertheless the Hoegh Osaka is unlikely to be moved to Southampton Port before Wednesday.

Sunday, 18 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 12.28
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 18 JAN 15
The ship continues to be stable and, at this point in the salvors ongoing operations, the ship continues to list at 48 degrees. Yesterday the operation to pump water from the vessel’s lower car decks removed approximately 800 tons of clean water. The operation will continue today but progress will be slower as divers have to reposition the pump to ensure only clean water is discharged. The operation is going well, nevertheless the Hoegh Osaka is unlikely to be moved to Southampton Port before Wednesday.

Monday, 19 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 13.10
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 19 JAN 15
The Secretary of State’s Representative for Intervention and Salvage (SOSREP) visited the site of the Hoegh Osaka yesterday to view operations, which are progressing well. The weather has been favourable and is forecast to remain so, although the salvors are still working in challenging conditions. De-watering operations finished at 11.30 today. Preparations are underway to begin the operation to pump the water that remains in the car decks into the empty fuel tanks on the ship. The list is now at 47 degrees and we expect it to improve slowly over the coming hours in accordance with the plan. Salvors plan to move the Hoegh Osaka to Southampton Port later this week, possibly late on Wednesday or early on Thursday. A notice to airmen / air exclusion zone around the ship is in place of 1 mile around and 2000 feet high to facilitate helicopter operations.

Tuesday, 20 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 14.17
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 20 JAN 15
Salvage work continues. The list of the vessel is reducing (the photo shows the vessel lying at 39 degrees on the evening of Monday 19th January 2015. It was originally lying at 52 degrees. The weather on scene continues to be favourable and the operation to remove clean water from the vessel’s lower car decks continues. The vessel will stay at Aplha Anchorage until the list has been reduced to around 15 degrees, some ship’s systems have been reinstated and weather conditions are suitable. The long range weather forecast is now indicating that it is unlikely that the Hoegh Osaka will be moved from Alpha Anchorage to a berth at Southampton Port on Wednesday 21st January 2015.

Wednesday, 21 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 09.39
HOEGH OSAKA - MEDIA BRIEFING MCA HQ
Media only are invited to attend a media briefing about the vessel ‘Hoegh Osaka’ at 12.30pm Wednesday 21 Jan 2015 at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency HQ. Hugh Shaw the Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention, will outline the Salvage Operation Plan for the next 24-48 hours and include the details of the vessels return to port.

Wednesday, 21 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 14.12
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 21 JAN 15
The vessel is stable on Aplha Anchorage and the salvage operation is ongoing. At 10: 30 today the list had been reduced to 25 degrees. All water has been removed from the car decks and it is anticipated that ballast operations will further reduce the list to 15 - 20 degrees today. At this point MAIB investigators will board the ship to gather information for their investigation. A skeleton ship’s crew will also board the ship in preparation for its move back to Southampton Port. The exact time for the ship to move from Alpha Anchorage to Southampton Port has not finally determined when the conditions are right to do so, e.g. confidence in the ship’s stability, ship’s systems have been started up successfully, time of tide, wave and weather conditions. The journey is expected to take four hours. Four tugs will help bring the ship in and the salvor will be assisted by two pilots and the ship's master. The attached document shows the route the vessel will take and the timings for the journey. The salvors will remain in charge of the ship until it is safely alongside. During the towing operation to bring the ‘Hoegh Osaka’ in to Southampton Port, a Restricted Airspace (Temporary) (RAT) will be placed 1 mile either side of the navigation route and up to 2000 feet. This is designed to provide essential safety during the towing operation.

Thursday, 22 January 2015 Posted by Hm Coastguard at 12.16
HOEGH OSAKA - DAILY UPDATE 22 JAN 2015
The vessel list is now at 5 degrees. This means that the vessel will now move from Alpha Anchorage at 1545 (approximately). It will be turned in the right direction. The ‘Hoegh Osaka’ is scheduled to arrive at Berth 101 in Southampton Port at 1900 (approximately). During the towing operation to bring the ‘Hoegh Osaka’ in to Southampton Port, a Restricted Airspace (Temporary) (RAT) will be placed 1 mile either side of the navigation route and up to 2000 feet. This is designed to provide essential safety during the towing operation. There will also be an exclusion zone around the vessel itself of 1000 metres ahead and behind and 100m either side.

Friday, 23 January 2015
HOEGH OSAKA - FINAL UPDATE 23 JAN 2015
The Hoegh Osaka ran aground on the Bramble Bank on Saturday 3rd January 2015. Yesterday, at 1415 hrs, the Heogh Osaka moved from her position in Alpha anchorage towards the port of Southampton. This was slightly ahead of schedule because the ship’s crew managed to lift the anchor quicker than planned. The vessel was safely delivered to Berth 101 in the Port of Southampton, four hours later, at 1815hrs. The Heogh Osaka is now safely on its berth at Southampton Port. The salvors are currently in charge of the vessel and working to transfer responsibility for the ship back to its owners. Once the ship is safely transferred back to the owners SOSREP will have no further involvement.