The very large ore carrier (VLOC) Stellar Banner has been successfully refloated after it had been deliberately run aground in northern Brazilian waters on February 24.
The refloating of the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, which is owned by Polaris Shipping of South Korea, was carried out by the Brazilian Navy and local private salvage companies following debunkering and cargo discharge operations that removed over 3,500 tonnes of diesel from the fuel tanks and 145,000 tonnes of iron ore from the holds.
After being refloated, the VLOC was towed to an area off Maranhão state to allow inspectors to assess the damage.
Stellar Banner was deliberately grounded by its captain to prevent it from sinking after its starboard bow struck a shallow area in the waters off the Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal on the night (local time) of February 24. No injuries or pollution incidents were reported.
