DING HENG 27

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Tanker prevented from grounding after engine breakdown

On Nov 7, 2024, the ‚Ding Heng 27’, with 18 crew members on board and carrying 800 tons of petrol, was in danger of running aground on the PNG side of the Great Berrier Reef off Kupiano, after it suffered an engine failure. The PNG authorities quickly responded, as darkness was falling and currents and winds were pushing the tanker towards the reef. The RMC’s marine team along with the crew made up 20 minor alterations to the ship’s trim and heading to ensure it kept off the reef. The deployment of a small improvised drogue with the ship’s crane altered the heading along with the bow thruster. This action brought the drift direction from 320 degrees down to the desired clearance bearing of 275 degrees over the ground. The ship was finally towed into Port Moresby by the tug ‘Svitzer Tusker’ on Nov 11. Report with photo: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/authorities-prevent-environmental-disaster/