SAN FRANCISCO: The Cosco HK Shipping bulker that ran aground off Port Arthur, Texas a week ago is still stuck and will need to be lightered before it can be refloated, the US Coast Guard (USCG) said.
The handymax vessel, Jian Qiang (46,800 dwt, built 1996), was heading out from Neches Industrial Park in Beaumont, Texas, carrying a cargo of sulphur when it ran into trouble.
USCG authorities say no cargo has spilled but they can’t be sure about damage to the ship until they have a chance to conduct undersea observation of the hull after it is freed.
So far, bad weather has hampered progress but the ship’s owners, local partners and the USCG are coordinating well on the operation.
The lightering will involve transferring cargo off the vessel to another, until it is safe for the Jian Qiang to be refloated.
There is no danger to other traffic as the vessel remains aground outside the channel, USCG officials said.
