Timely action by SLPA enables discharge of leaky container onboard ‘MV Thalassa Patris’

The leaky container being discharged from the MV Thalassa Patris 

‘MV Thalassa Patris’, the 370-meter-long container vessel of Evergreen Line was sailing from Singapore to Europe via Suez. The vessel has passed Sri Lanka when the crew discovered smoke coming out of a cargo hold on 30 September.

The agent of the ship – Evergreen Shipping Agency Lanka Ltd., (Hemas Group) – informed the Harbour Master (HM) Capt. Nirmal Silva of the danger in sailing onwards. The HM discussed the situation with the Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Capt. Nihal Keppetipola. After thoroughly checking the type of cargo and the stowage plan of the ship, it was decided to turn the vessel around and bring it to Colombo anchorage for inspections. P & I Club surveyors boarded the vessel outer harbour and it was confirmed safe to bring the ship into the harbour to discharge the leaking dangerous cargo container. 

“The encouragement given by the Minister of Ports and Shipping Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardena in this regard was immense,” said the Chairman.

With the assistance of the SLPA officers, the fire brigade and the technical capabilities of SLPA, the Port of Colombo proved, once again, that Sri Lanka has the expertise and the capacity to assist vessels in such emergencies, which is only possible if the local agent notifies SLPA of the urgency well in advance. 

Later, the vessel continued their voyage on 3 October after discharging the leaky container.