site.btaUPDATED Stranded Liberian-flagged Ship Blocks Traffic for Large Vessels at Port of Burgas

A Liberian-flagged ship is stranded at the entrance to the port of Burgas, blocking traffic of large vessels, Captain Zhivko Petrov, director of the Maritime Administration Directorate - Burgas, told BTA. Small vessels are moving without restrictions, he added. 

The incident occurred around 19:00 Sunday during a maneuver to enter the port. According to preliminary information, it was a navigational error in which the vessel deviated from the center line of the narrow channel and got stuck in the immediate vicinity of the entrance lighthouse of the port - at a distance of about 150 meters from the facility.

The vessel was loaded with a bulk cargo of agricultural fertiliser classified as non-hazardous. According to the plan, the vessel was to unload the cargo in Burgas and then set sail. There was a mixed crew on board. According to Captain Petrov, there is currently no danger of pollution of the marine environment. “The ship is expected to be towed out with the help of tugs from local towing companies,” he clarified.

"The warships that were on standby in the port have already entered. Tourist ships servicing the Burgas - St. Anastasia Island line are also continuing their regular runs," he told BTA.

"Tugs and cutters are moving normally, but larger commercial ships cannot pass through the channel at the moment," Capt. Petrov explained.

The captain of the ship stranded in the port of Burgas has been ordered to take immediate measures to clear the navigation channel, the director of the Maritime Administration said. The order was also sent to the shipowner, registered in Singapore.

"About half an hour ago, I gave permission for a diver to inspect the grounding site. Once the survey is completed, negotiations are to begin with the towing companies to provide the necessary equipment to tow the ship," Capt Petrov said.

According to him, the procedure is already underway, the first step being waiting for the diver to complete the survey. "It is important to note that there is no danger of pollution in the area," the director added.

“Maritime Administration” - Burgas continues to monitor and coordinate activities on the spot.

A check on the specialised portal VesselFinder shows that the only vessel at the entrance of the port of Burgas with a similar description is the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier IRMGARD.