Tanker Collision at Port of Santos
The Port of Santos experienced a tanker collision incident on Wednesday night, March 12. The vessel involved, named Olavo Bilac, was maneuvering between the Alemoa 1 and Outeirinhos 1 piers when it lost control due to a reported mechanical problem. As a result, the tanker hit a pier and several Brazilian patrol boats.
According to reports, the tanker’s rudder jammed, leading to the collision with the pier. Subsequently, it struck a patrol boat, causing it to collide with two other vessels – Guajara, Guapore, and Maracana. Fortunately, all three patrol boats sustained only minor damage.
The incident resulted in a naval officer aboard one of the vessels being injured and subsequently treated at a local hospital for leg bruises. The officer has since been released after receiving medical attention.
Following the collision, tugs were deployed to assist in moving the tanker back to the Alemoa 1 pier. The Port Authority conducted an inspection and confirmed that while there was significant scraping on the vessel, there was no oil spill or pollution leakage.
The affected pier, controlled by the Brazilian Navy, is currently undergoing assessment to determine the extent of the damage. Companies involved are awaiting approval from the navy to access the site for further evaluation and necessary repairs.
The Olavo Bilac is part of a fleet of tankers constructed for Estaleiro Atlantico Sul (EAS) and operated by Transpetro. With a capacity of 114,000 dwt, the Brazilian-registered vessel was carrying 50,000 liters of fuel at the time of the collision. Scheduled to depart for Rio de Janeiro, the tanker is currently detained in Santos pending further investigation and clearance.