Menu
10/10/2003
Green light given for tow of further 'Ghost Fleet' ships
The government has cleared the way for a further two ships to be towed to the UK to be scrapped following an independent surveyor's report from the US.
The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) and Able UK were informed late yesterday of the decision and the vessels are now to be brought to Teesside from their anchorage in the James River in Virginia. The ships are among the James River "Ghost Fleet," of about 100 large cargo and military - support ships that are anchored off Fort Eustis, Virginia.
It is unlikely that this tow will commence before Sunday 12th October due to inclement weather, the government said.
The Secretary of State's Representative in Maritime Salvage and Intervention, Robin Middleton has again decided not to resist the passage of the tows into home waters after "clear and detailed contingency and passage arrangements" were earlier agreed between the Belgian, Irish and French authorities and Able UK, which was co-ordinated by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
As with previous tows, the MCA will monitor the journey and co-ordinate with the towing company upon their arrival in UK waters.
The tug and tow of the first contingent was "proceeding well", and at 6am yesterday the vessels had covered 256 nautical miles with "no problems". Their time of arrival in Teeside is estimated to be on the 5th November.
After discussions with English Nature, the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) it was stated by all parties that they had "no specific concerns" regarding the proposed tow and passage through UK waters of the US vessels so long as the vessels were "deemed seaworthy by the MCA".
The ships will be the last to be dispatched this year. Able UK intends to bring up to nine further vessels to the UK next year commencing in the summer of 2004.
(gmcg)
The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) and Able UK were informed late yesterday of the decision and the vessels are now to be brought to Teesside from their anchorage in the James River in Virginia. The ships are among the James River "Ghost Fleet," of about 100 large cargo and military - support ships that are anchored off Fort Eustis, Virginia.
It is unlikely that this tow will commence before Sunday 12th October due to inclement weather, the government said.
The Secretary of State's Representative in Maritime Salvage and Intervention, Robin Middleton has again decided not to resist the passage of the tows into home waters after "clear and detailed contingency and passage arrangements" were earlier agreed between the Belgian, Irish and French authorities and Able UK, which was co-ordinated by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
As with previous tows, the MCA will monitor the journey and co-ordinate with the towing company upon their arrival in UK waters.
The tug and tow of the first contingent was "proceeding well", and at 6am yesterday the vessels had covered 256 nautical miles with "no problems". Their time of arrival in Teeside is estimated to be on the 5th November.
After discussions with English Nature, the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) it was stated by all parties that they had "no specific concerns" regarding the proposed tow and passage through UK waters of the US vessels so long as the vessels were "deemed seaworthy by the MCA".
The ships will be the last to be dispatched this year. Able UK intends to bring up to nine further vessels to the UK next year commencing in the summer of 2004.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 November 2003
'Ghost ships' will not be sent back to US: Beckett
Two WWII-vintage US warships, which are scheduled for dismantling in the UK, will not be sent back across the Atlantic, the environment secretary said today. The so-called 'ghost ships' had been due to be scrapped by British company Able UK at Hartlepool docks.
'Ghost ships' will not be sent back to US: Beckett
Two WWII-vintage US warships, which are scheduled for dismantling in the UK, will not be sent back across the Atlantic, the environment secretary said today. The so-called 'ghost ships' had been due to be scrapped by British company Able UK at Hartlepool docks.
06 March 2008
Coastguards Strike In Pay Dispute
Coastguard staff are staging a 24-hour strike today in a dispute over pay. The walkout, which began at 7am, involves up to 700 Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) workers at 19 UK search and rescue co-ordination centres.
Coastguards Strike In Pay Dispute
Coastguard staff are staging a 24-hour strike today in a dispute over pay. The walkout, which began at 7am, involves up to 700 Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) workers at 19 UK search and rescue co-ordination centres.
29 November 2005
Irish Ferries pull extra security from ships
This afternoon it was reported that Irish Ferries has removed additional security personnel from its four ships stranded in a union dispute.
Irish Ferries pull extra security from ships
This afternoon it was reported that Irish Ferries has removed additional security personnel from its four ships stranded in a union dispute.
12 January 2007
Freighter taken in tow
A cargo vessel drifiting in gales in the North sea without power since yesterday has missed a gas platform. The 4,500 tonne vessel Vindo has now been taken in tow by a tug and is being towed to the Humber estuary.
Freighter taken in tow
A cargo vessel drifiting in gales in the North sea without power since yesterday has missed a gas platform. The 4,500 tonne vessel Vindo has now been taken in tow by a tug and is being towed to the Humber estuary.
03 February 2006
UK ships intercept £350m worth of cocaine
UK ships have seized around three-and-a-half tonnes of cocaine in an operation in the southwest Caribbean. The drugs, which had an estimated street value of £350 million, were seized in a joint operation involving ships from the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary on Wednesday.
UK ships intercept £350m worth of cocaine
UK ships have seized around three-and-a-half tonnes of cocaine in an operation in the southwest Caribbean. The drugs, which had an estimated street value of £350 million, were seized in a joint operation involving ships from the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary on Wednesday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
