KARACHI, 1 December 2003 — The removal of oil tanker Tasman Spirit wreckage is still hanging in the balance and it is feared that this may be delayed till the ‘season’ of September 2004, if urgent steps are not taken, sources said.
In this connection, Eamon Molony, a lawyer and representative of Eversheds on behalf of owner of Tasman Spirit, Asimina Maritime Limited of Valetta Malta, is arriving to negotiate the issues related to claim and release of the tanker crew with Karachi Port Trust (KPT), probably against the offer to remove the wreckage of the broken oil tanker.
It is also expected that Eamon Moloney may not commit to guarantee the civil liability losses claimed by KPT amounting to about $1 billion, and about $ 5.5 billion by Defense Housing Authority (DHA).
It is also learnt that the contract of wreck removal has been finalized with Smit, Salvagers of Singapore, and their representative is also expected to arrive in the city soon. The wreckage removal is estimated to cost $11 million to be charged by ship salvager.
The American Club representative will also bargain with KPT to release the Ex-Salvage Master Captain Nik Papa, the Greek salvage master of Tsavliris Group of Companies, in connection with the removal of wreckage, which is possibly a difficult task for the Pakistani authorities.
Nik Papa was detained in Pakistan against the breakage and pollution caused by Tasman Spirit under FIR lodge by KPT and was under trial at the Sindh High Court.
Sources said that the most feasible time to work for the removal of wreckage is only during the northeast monsoon period that starts from mid-September to mid-May, whereas the month of November has already passed by, and the time of the present ‘season’ left is only five months.
After May strong southwest monsoons commence to blow causing high, heavy swell, and strong winds may not permit the salvage operation to continue. Therefore, if not completed during this period, the salvage operation may be suspended till September 2004.
KPT has already invited tenders from international salvage companies on Nov. 14, the processing of which is in progress.
The final choice will be made after opening the tenders and the task allotted to the lowest bidder.
The leakage of crude from the Tasman Spirit caused immense damage to the marine life in addition to the mangroves of the area.
