29.02.2004
Early this morning Norwegian time, we received information from the US Coast Guard that the MT BOW MARINER had suffered an explosion and sank about 50 nautical miles off the coast of Virginia on the US east coast.
The vessel had a crew of 27 whereof 24 Filipino and 3 Greek. 9 crewmembers are reportedly picked up by the US Coast Guard and two of these are deceased. 18 are still missing and search and rescue operations are ongoing. Odfjell is deeply saddened by this tragic accident that has caused loss of life.
BOW MARINER was en route from New York to Texas City, with about 11.000 mt Ethanol. Ethanol is a water-soluble alcohol and classified as a MARPOL Appendix 3 cargo. The cargo has low toxidity and its impact on the marine environment is negligible.
BOW MARINER is a 39.821 dwt. product tanker built in Split, in former Yugoslavia in 1982. The vessel is registered in Singapore and classed by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). BOW MARINER is managed by Ceres Hellenic Shipping Enterprises in Greece. The vessel is commercially operated by Odfjell in Bergen, Norway and is owned by Odfjell's subsidiary Odfjell Asia II Pte Ltd, Singapore.
A press conference will be held at Odfjell's head office in Conrad Mohrsvei 29, Minde, Norway on 29.02.04 at 11:00 hrs. local Norwegian time.
Press contact Odfjell: Jan Hammer, phone +47 55 27 00 00
Press contact Ceres: George Papaiounou, phone +30 210 4591005
Odfjell USA contact: Bernt Netland, phone +1 713 844 23 00
The Internet home page www.odfjell.com will be updated as further information is available.
Odfjell is a leading company in the global market of transporting and storing of chemicals and related logistical services. The fleet totals 89 ships, trading both globally and regionally, of which 47 is owned by the group. Odfjell additionally owns and operates tank terminals and tank containers.
Ceres Hellenic Shipping Enterprises is managing a wide range of various vessels. Currently the managed fleet is 42 vessels.
