On a “press conference”, at Aveiro Harbor Master Bureau, the operations plan was publically presented. All pertinent information’s, namely operational best practices, environmental and safety, were shared, also requesting cooperation of all, in particular for the press, which behavior here we thank.

Additionally, for operational planning purpose, contacts were also stablisehd with local fire department – Bombeiros Novos de Aveiro, local fishing community through the professional association - Associação de Pesca Artesanal da Região de Aveiro, Aveiro Port Administration – Maritime Traffic Control, and Port Pilot department. We express our appreciation to all, for the sound and priceless cooperation.

19.01.2013

21.01.2013

28.02.2013

21.03.2013

The above mentioned “Plano de Salvamento N/M MERLE”, was subject of careful and detailed evaluation, with proper risk and environmental assessment, including backup options, in order to assure the correct resource selection and allocation, as well as the adequate actions, in the operations area.

The Operations Plan, was developed listing all activities and in particular, the critical path, on a detailed plan, having into consideration the following items, as follow:

- Oceanographic and meteorological characteristics and behaviors, of the Portuguese coastline, particularly in the area where the aground took place;
- Vessel structural and grounding condition, continuous assessment;
- Environmental assessment (aspects and impacts), and preventive/corrective actions planning;
- Maritime and Terrestrial Exclusive Zone definition and establishment (cooperation of Maritime Authorities by  implementing a 2 nm exclusion area, centered on the vessel grounded position, prohibiting all Maritime traffic and/or access to this area during the period of Operations, as well as a terrestrial exclusion area).

Tug Boat “CASTELO de SINES” (REBONAVE)   A specific organizational structure was created, for Operations purpose, and for the Support Actions required, including logistics, supply chain, authorities interface, both under normal and emergency conditions, as stated on “Emergency Communication Plan”. Operational structure organization was supported by the Maritime Police under Aveiro Harbor Master management and authority, evolving naval assets, 4wd vehicles, and an average of 10 men.   In the operational structure were evolved the required resources for this type and condition of complex operation. All human resources allocated were seamen, with 18 men from REBONAVE (Nautical Officers/Engineers, Senior deck seamen, Able seaman) and 2 men from MAMMOET (technical support).

Tug Boat “MONTENOVO” (REBONAVE)   Two oceangoing Tug Boats had a crucial role in the Operations, namely “MONTENOVO” and “CASTELO de SINES” from REBONAVE and REBOPORT (affiliated of the 1st), supported by 4wd vehicles, personnel and equipment heavy and medium size transport vehicles.

Maritime Exclusion Area (REBONAVE)

RESGATE – Jet skies and specialized crews to assist in the establishment of the towing gears.    AG Demolições – Heavy machinery, with five (5) machines (excavators, bulldozers type), to support the reestablishment of the vessel floating conditions.    EGEO Norte – Vessel MGO racking, solid urban residues removal, and vessel cabins cleanliness, supported by Fire Department vehicle. – Bombeiros Novos de Aveiro.
 

Main Operations consisted in: pollutant materials (MGO and Urban Solid Residues) removal from the vessel, in accordance with Environmental Assessment – Plan, creation of floating conditions for the vessel by continuously remove sand on designated areas, un-ballast, and towage gear establishment with two oceangoing Tugboats, for the subsequent combined traction of the vessel to the high sea. Pre-sail inspection and ocean towage to a safe port in Lisbon.

Planned operations were initiated at 07:00 hrs of March 22nd, de 2013.

At 02:06 hrs on Mar 27th, the M/V “MERLE” returned to his natural environment, floating under Towage of the oceangoing Tug Boat “MONTENOVO”. After a pre-sail hull and safety inspection both sailed to a safe port in Lisbon.

Towing Gear connection operation (REBONAVE)

Sand removal (REBONAVE)

Solid Residues removal (REBONAVE)

Operations were considered concluded on March 27th 16:00 hrs at Praia do Muranzel – Murtosa, with the reposition of the beach initial and natural conditions.

On March 27th at 08:00 hrs both Tug Boat and Tow were subject to inspection at Cascais Bay, by the Maritime Authority – Harbour Master Lisbon Port. Entre-Torres line at Lisbon Port entrance was crossed at 10:37 hrs, and mooring at 14:00 hrs, with formal delivery to a Shipyard in Lisbon.

Arrival to Lisbon (Belém) (REBONAVE)

Transfer to local tugs (REBONAVE)

REBONAVE, S.A. is a Towage Company, established in Setúbal, since 1989, managing a reliable fleet of tugboats prepared to perform all the activities associated with harbor and coastal towage, ocean going-towage, escort services, salvage, rescue and fire fighting at sea, available for immediate response to any emergency call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

In this maritime assistance operation, knowledge and resources available at our company, along with local specific partners, integrated in a joint effort and “Maritime Assistance Plan” managed by REBONAVE, contribute for the recognition of our company has a reliable partner, always available for towage services, maritime assistance and rescue operations, contributing for the protection of the Portuguese coastline.
 

Fotografias

Sand Removal 22MAR (REBONAVE)	Sand Removal 22MAR (REBONAVE)	Sand Removal 23MAR (REBONAVE)
Towing Gear establishment (REBONAVE)	Towing gear connection to Tug Boat (REBONAVE)	Towing gear connection to Tug Boat (REBONAVE)
Towing gear connection to Tug Boat (REBONAVE)	“MERLE” Tug Boat perspective (REBONAVE)	Tug Boat approach (REBONAVE)
“MERLE” refloating (REBONAVE)	““MERLE” refloating (REBONAVE)	Under Towage to Lisbon (REBONAVE)