Greek-owned Vessel Collided With Drillship In The U.S.

A Valaris drillship and a Greek interest vessel collided in Pascagoula, Mississippi with both vessels sustaining damage as a result.

Incident

The incident occurred at around 01.30 hrs local time on Saturday 12 March 2022. Hence, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a collision near the VT Halter Shipyards and Chevron docks in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Particularly, the 229.2m long DS-16 reportedly broke free of its moorings due to high winds and collided with the Greek-owned 57,900dwt Akti.

Note that, the drillship in question is the Valaris DS-16, formerly known as Resolute. On the other side, the Greek interest supramax bulk carrier identifies as Akti and is under the Z&G Halcoussis group.

Coast Guard Sector Mobile sent three prevention team members to monitor the situation. There have been no reports of injuries or pollution.

The drillship reportedly has about 580,000 gallons of diesel on board. As informed by the Coast Guard, the drillship is anchored while being held in place by three tug vessels. Both vessels reportedly have minor damage, with some damage to the pier. Three Coast Guard Sector Mobile prevention team members mobilized to monitor the situation.

Valaris Operations

As recently reported, the 2014-built rig, located in Pascagoula where underwent reactivation for its upcoming contract with Occidental in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The contract would start in May this year and run until April 2024, according to expectations. However, it is now unclear whether this incident will affect the beginning of its operations.

Ship Nerd has reached out to Valaris, seeking comment on the incident and further details about the sustained damages but we are yet to receive a response.

Incidentally, this is not the first time for a Valaris-owned drillship to break free of its moorings. Back in February 2021, Valaris DS-4 drillship broke free of moorings while off Scotland. At the time of the incident, the drillship was moored at Hunterston Terminal, at Fairlie, in the narrow waters between the mainland and the Isle of Cumbrae.

Photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class James Hague, U.S. Coast Guard District 8