UN Struggles with FSO Safer mission to find a replacement tanker to carry the crude oils.
Finding a replacement tanker for FSO Safer
UN is struggling to find and afford a tanker to receive oil from FSO safer. They reported that despite the progress in planning and financing the project it is challenging to find an affordable tanker. Last week France announced to increase funds to €1 million for the project due to the increase in the cost of the project plan.
“The availability of very large crude carriers has decreased in the past six months, basically due to events having to do with the war in Ukraine,”. Said Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General. “So, just as we were gearing up for operations, the cost to both lease and purchase this type of vessel increased. A very large crude carrier now costs about 50 percent more than what’s budgeted in the original plan. So, we have some additional expenses and it’s a little bit harder finding the right ships, but we’re proceeding with the work.”
After reaching an agreement with sanctions in Yemen, the UN concluded to transfer the oil. From the FSO Safer to a replacement tanker until they find a permanent solution.
Rescue plan
The 1970s-vintage oil tanker converted into an FSO in 1987 had its work stopped in 2015. Leaving over one million barrels of oil stored aboard with limited resources to hold the ship together.
“All of the technical expertise is in place to undertake the procurement for the complex operation,” Hag said. “This includes a marine management consultancy firm, maritime legal firm, insurance and ship brokers, and oil spill experts. The contracting of the salvage company that will carry out the emergency operation is at an advanced stage.”
What will happen to FSO Safer
If the UN plan succeeds, the Safer will be removed and sold for scrap and the oil remains in Yemen. And the failure can cause an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe costing an estimated $20 billion and 25 years to recover.