Photos: Indian Ministers Assess MT New Diamond’s Condition, Discuss Ways To Expedite Cargo Discharge
Motor Tanker New Diamond had caught on fire after a major explosion in its engine room on September 3red. Last week, the Indian Navy had stated that it was currently ‘safe and stable’ after sailors undertook deballasting measures on the ship. It was 95 kilometres from Sri Lankan coast at that time.
Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and S Jaishankar on Monday assessed the condition of Motor Tanker (MT) New Diamond and scrutinised ways to expedite arrangements for the discharge of cargo crude from the vessel.
“Min. P&NG Shri @dpradhanbjp along with Shri Dr S Jaishankar and MoS(IC) Shipping Shri Mansukh Mandviya chaired a meeting to review the condition of the crude vessel MT New Diamond which is chartered by @IndianOilcl and currently located off the coast of Sri Lanka,” Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas wrote on Twitter.
“They discussed ways to expedite arrangements for the discharge of cargo crude from it. Collective efforts are underway by Ministries and agencies concerned including DG Shipping and India Coast Guard to complete the task in a safe and secure manner,” the Ministry wrote in another tweet.
The Indian Navy had said last week that the MT New Diamond was “safe and stable” after sailors undertook deballasting measures on the ship.
“MT New Diamond (Sri Lankan vessel) secure and steady. Sailors undertook deballasting from Engine Room to Ballast Tanks. All leaks on the hull sealed. Tug Boka Expedition took over 2 pm, 13 Sep. MT New Diamond assessed pollution-free and able to be towed,” Indian Navy had tweeted.
A joint crew of Indian Navy, Sri Lanka Navy, and a diving team had accomplished underwater inspection.
The huge 333-metre long crude service was carrying over three lakh metric tons of crude oil for the Indian Oil Corporation from Kuwait to Paradip.
After 14 day successful Joint Op with #SLNavy #CoastGuard to salvage #MTNewDiamond, #INSSahyadri departing area & proceeding for next Mission (2/2).#BridgesofFriendship pic.twitter.com/WA0HcsGIvl
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 16, 2020
Reference: energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com
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