Bibby Line Ltd., the owners of the MV Cheshire, which reported a fire onboard the fertilizer-laden vessel in August, says that the vessel is now being towed to Portugal or Spain. No gas releases have been observed from the vessel since Aug. 25 and the company says there is no risk of pollution either from bunkers or from the cargo.
As of Sept. 2, the vessel was approximately 18 nautical miles off the south coast of the Canary Islands, being towed by the Red Sea Fos. It expects to reach its destination within eight days. The company said it is seeking a destination where it will be possible to unload and store the remaining cargo residue at the port and inspect the ship with a view to carrying out repairs. It said that it had been advised that the Canary Islands do not have a facility for the unloading and treatment of the cargo.