Hazmat cargo removed from CP Ships vessel grounded in Azores

Hazmat cargo removed from CP Ships vessel grounded in Azores    Despite severe sea conditions, all cargo classified as hazardous by the International Maritime Organization has been taken off the 'CP Valour,' a containership that grounded Dec. 9, near the island of Faial in the Azores.
   The vessel, en route from Montreal to Valencia with 525 containers, was heading into a safe anchorage when it went aground. Several attempts to refloat the ship have not been successful. None of the crew of 21 suffered injuries.
   At the time of the grounding, the ship had about 1,000 tons of heavy fuel oil and 140 tons of diesel oil on board, as well as a small quantity of lubricating and hydraulic oil and paint.
   In addition to the hazardous cargo, 'all accessible fuel oil that could be pumped has been removed, as well as all lubricants, paints, chemicals and engine oils,' CP Ships said in a statement.
   A 'limited amount' of bunker and diesel fuel has been spilled since the grounding. Local pollution containment specialists have removed most of the fuel that washed ashore.
   'Because of the current state of damage to the ship, no further attempt to refloat it will be undertaken. This has been discussed and agreed with local authorities,' CP Ships explained.
   The next steps to remove more cargo and the vessel itself 'are under consideration,' the company said.