Bulk Carrier “Zografia” Repaired By SCA After Houthi Missile Attack

The Malta-registered bulk carrier Zografia underwent quick repairs at the Suez Shipyard Company in Egypt in response to a Houthi missile strike on January 16. The missile made a large exit hole below the waterline when it struck the No. 2 cargo hold. Fortunately, the ship was empty when the attack occurred, although it still had the risk of getting drenched.

The Suez Shipyard Company replaced the cargo hold’s internal steel structures and hull plating with great effort. Additionally, the piping needed to be fixed, especially the hydraulic control pipes, which were completed quickly. The shipyard’s maintenance work was examined and authorised by ClassNK.

The vessel’s master, Captain Borys Basenko, appreciated the yard’s quick response and understanding of the circumstances. The Suez Canal Authority’s Chairman, Lieutenant General Rabie, reaffirmed the organisation’s unwavering willingness to work with shipping lines and agencies. He underlined their dedication to lessening the effects of the current circumstances in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab by offering essential navigational and repair services to transiting ships experiencing problems or breakdowns.

Reports of a nearly 50% decrease in Suez Canal transits since the start of Houthi attacks were being made when the incident happened. It’s possible that the 58,894 dwt bulker, which was controlled and owned by Greek nationals, was targeted since it was in Israel in May 2023. The ship arrived at Piraeus on January 31 for repairs and is said to return via the Suez Canal in March, coming in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

On January 28, the Suez Canal Authority declared that Zografia’s repairs were finished, and it was now travelling with the northbound convoy. The repairs involved the replacement of iron components and the restoration of hydraulic struts and main balance pipes. There were only 24 crew members on board the empty ship when it was attacked while sailing from Vietnam to Israel.

Video| Arrival of the Greek bulk carrier ZOGRAFIA at Suez Shipyard Co. for the necessary maintenance and repair works by the Company’s capable personnel and expertise, using its technical capabilities pic.twitter.com/UC02MvHmHK

— هيئة قناة السويس Suez Canal Authority (@SuezAuthorityEG) January 22, 2024

Video Credits: Suez Canal Authority/Twitter

The Suez Canal Authority’s Chairman and Managing Director, Admiral Ossama Rabiee, emphasised the authority’s willingness to work with client shipping lines and agencies to lessen the effects of the current circumstances in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab. An associated business, Suez Shipyard Co., effectively managed Zografia’s maintenance and repair needs, guaranteeing the regular flow of cargo through the Canal and maintaining international supply lines. The SCA maintained contact with the vessel’s owner to ensure the crew’s safety.

The Houthi forces, which is affiliated with Iran, have threatened to expand the range of its targets in the waters surrounding the Red Sea. This escalation, which includes a threat of possible attacks on US vessels as retaliation for US and British operations on locations in Yemen, is allegedly in response to measures taken by Israel in Gaza. International trade has been affected, and significant world countries have expressed concern as a result of the Houthi attacks on vessels in the region since November.

A significant impact on Suez Canal revenue was earlier revealed by Lieutenant General Rabie, who reported an almost 40% reduction in revenues and a 30% drop in ship traffic year over year between January 1 and January 11. The disruptive Houthi strikes in the region are blamed for these recent events, highlighting the far-reaching effects on the fronts of security and the economy.

Reference: sis.gov.eg, EgyptToday

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