Bourbon, International leader in marine services for modern offshore

Container ship - Île de Ré

Following a machine breakdown that occurred in force 10 winds and heavy seas, this RORO vessel ran aground on the Ile de Ré in October 2006, perforating its sea water ballasts. After inspection by our assistance and salvage teams, the condition of the ship, the water intakes in the hulls and its position in shallow waters prohibited any refloating operation. Les Abeilles then obtained an assistance contract with a SCOPIC (Special Compensation Protection & Indemnity Clubs) environmental clause. The mobilization of all teams, night and day for more than a week, prevented any oil pollution during the delicate operation to pump 560 tons of heavy fuel oil, which was performed first. Ten days of continuous operations were necessary to pump the heavy fuel in order to prevent any pollution with the greatest concern for the interests of the resident population and the shipowner. The ability to analyze the situation, the control of the recommended solutions and, above all, the coordination of the teams and technical resources were the determinant factor in the success of this operation. Les Abeilles also unloaded 200 deck containers. Then, the Smit/Scaldis/Les Abeilles consortium was charged by the shipowner to continue unloading the merchandise and cutting the wreck on site. The maritime phase of this work was completed in December 2007. It should be noted that, during this operation and thanks to the very strict procedures applied by the responders, no significant pollution was found. (Abeille Bourbon, Abeille Languedoc, Alcyon)