30 April, 2008

A TANKER loaded with Brent crude oil had to be held in position by four tugs for more than an hour while engineers tried to fix an engine problem, at Sullom Voe yesterday morning (Monday).

The 107,000 tonne Indian registered Amba Bhavanee suffered engine failure while sailing from the Shetland port on her way to Portland, Maine.

Port manager Jim Dickson said the tanker broke down at 11.45am while still under tow.

"Two additional tugs were immediately mobilised to the scene. The vessel was held in position by the tugs whilst the crew rectified a fault in the ship's cooling water system," he said.

Engineers managed to restart the engine at 12.54am, after which the tanker sailed for the US. Last night she was west of Shetland.

Mr Dickson added: "Before the vessel can be nominated for Sullom Voe in future, the owners will be required to advise Shetland Islands Council the reason for the breakdown and what has been done to prevent a re-occurrence in the future."