We have an update to the grounding of Crimson Polaris that occurred off the coast of Hachinohe on August 11.

The vessel, which had been chartered by NYK from MI-DAS Line SA (an affiliate of Doun Kisen Co., Ltd.), the owner of the ship, ran aground off Hachinohe on August 11. On August 12 at 4:15 a.m. (JST), the vessel’s hull split into two pieces and began spilling oil. We are continuing our efforts to control the oil spill and monitor the split hull.

1．Control of spilled oil (as of 7:00 p.m. JST on August 12)

As of August 11, when the vessel ran aground, the ship had about 1,550 MT of heavy oil and about 130 MT of diesel oil for fuel. The amount of oil that has been spilled into the ocean has not been identified. The Maritime Disaster Prevention Center is continuing to control the oil spill using oil-treatment agents and adsorption mats. In addition, as soon as oil is confirmed to have drifted to the coast, oil recovery companies are prepared to perform beach cleaning.

2．Status of the ship

A crack that initially occurred between the No. 5 cargo hold and the No. 6 cargo hold at the rear of the vessel worsened, and the hull eventually split into two. The bow is floating and held by an anchor chain, and the stern appears to have become stranded on the seabed. The shipowner and ship-management company are currently in discussions with relevant authorities and salvage companies concerning towing and treatment of the separated hull, with the prevention of environmental pollution being given the highest priority. We are carefully monitoring the situation.

3. Investigation of the accident cause

The cause of the accident is currently being confirmed, and investigative authorities are conducting an interview with the vessel captain.

NYK has organized a crisis management center led by NYK president Hitoshi Nagasawa to rapidly address the situation. Company personnel have been sent to the site, and necessary support will be provided to the shipowner and ship-management company. We hope the situation will be brought to a safe and timely conclusion.

Profile of Crimson Polaris

Type of ship: Wood-chip carrier
Length/Breadth: 199.9M / 32.2M
GRT: 39,910 tonnes
Built: 2008
Seafarers: 21 (Chinese, Filipino)
Flag: Panama
Shipowner: MI-DAS Line S.A. (an affiliate of Doun Kisen Co. Ltd.)
Ship-management company: Misuga Kaiun Co. Ltd.