The container vessel CCNI Arauco caught fire in the aft container hold on Sept. 1. After four intense weeks, Ardent safely returned the vessel to the owners.

Ardent emergency response crews worked with local firefighters to successfully extinguish the fire. Other experts from Ardent contained the situation with local authorities and worked with all parties with follow-on operations.

A salvage contract was signed to speed the response and clean-up operations, drastically shortening the possible long negotiation time.

The aft hold was partly flooded to extinguish the fire, subsequently contaminating the water in the hold. Ardent safely discharged the contaminated water which was pumped into tankers to bring it to off-site final disposal facilities.

Ardent discharged the damaged containers out of the vessel's cargo hold. These containers were declared as dangerous waste and required special treatment.

The vessel was safely returned to the owners for repair works subsequently.

HAMBURG, Germany (Sept. 1, 2016)- The container vessel “CCNI Arauco” caught fire in the aft container hold on Sept. 1. After four intense weeks, Ardent safely returned the vessel to the owners. Ardent discharged the damaged containers out of the vessels cargo hold. These containers were declared as dangerous waste and required special treatment. (Photo: Feuerwehr Hamburg)

“Minimizing an environmental impact has always been a priority for any operation for Ardent. We worked closely with Germany authorities to safely dispose the contaminated firefighting water and cargo out of the vessel,” said Lars Tesmar, one of the Ardent Salvage Masters who dealt with the operation.

“Technically it was a routine job, but our staff worked well with all the stakeholders to ensure a smooth follow-on operation. Compared to similar incidents in Germany we can speak about a relatively fast clean-up operation,” said Tesmar.

The aft hold of the vessel was partly flooded to extinguish the fire, subsequently contaminating the water in the hold. Ardent safely discharged the contaminated water which was pumped into tankers to bring it to off-site final disposal facilities. (Photo: Feuerwehr Hamburg)

Ardent has a history of success in responding to vessel fires and emergencies.

In late August, Ardent responded to the Caribbean Fantasy, a vehicle ferry that caught fire off San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Caribbean Fantasy was covered under Ardent’s OPA-90, Salvage and Marine Fire-Fighting “SMFF” coverage program.

Ardent is a leading marine & offshore services company, delivering effective and innovative solutions with a mind to minimize environmental impacts. We stand by our reputation and history of success in emergency management, wreck removal, and decommissioning.

Related news: 

Container ship CCNI Arauco on Fire at Port of Hamburg

Over 500 People Evacuated After Fire Breaks Out On Ferry Off Coast of San Juan, PR (Video)

Source: Ardent