MV Finnbirch Shipwreck and Environmental Concerns

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A Car Wreck by a Road
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The MV Finnbirch shipwreck has been a pressing environmental concern for the past few years. The ship sank in 2019, and its cargo of oil and other hazardous materials has been leaking into the surrounding waters.

The ship's location in a sensitive marine ecosystem has made it difficult to contain the spill, posing a significant threat to local wildlife. The oil has been spreading rapidly, contaminating the nearby waters and affecting marine life.

The environmental impact of the spill has been severe, with many marine species affected by the oil. The spill has also had economic implications for the local community, which relies heavily on fishing and tourism.

Incident Details

In December 2018, Kustbevakningens flyg discovered that Finnbirch was leaking oil.

The leak was continuously monitored by Kustbevakningen, who then installed a container-like structure to collect the oil and prevent it from spreading into the Östersjön.

60 kubikmeter of oil mixture (diesel and smörjolja) were successfully recovered from Finnbirch's skrovet in autumn 2019 through a joint effort by HaV and JD-Contractor A/S.

No oil was found in the initially suspected tank, but rather in other compartments of the wreck.

Investigation and Concerns

Passenger on Ferry
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The investigation into the MV Finnbirch's disappearance has raised several concerns.

The ship's voyage was supposed to be a routine one, but it never made it to its destination.

The Finnbirch was carrying a cargo of 3,000 tons of iron ore, worth approximately $2.5 million.

The ship's last known position was in the Gulf of Finland, near the Finnish-Russian border.

The investigation is still ongoing, but it's clear that something went terribly wrong.

Technical Information

The MV Finnbirch is a remarkable vessel, and its technical information is just as impressive. The ship's length is 155.19 meters overall, with a breadth of 21.67 to 22.97 meters.

Its depth is 14.66 meters, and the draught ranges from 6.45 to 7.319 meters. This allows the Finnbirch to navigate through various waterways with ease.

The ship's engines are two Pielstick 12-cylinder 12PC2-5V-400 V-diesels, which produce a powerful 11,475 kW of power, equivalent to 15,600 bhp. This enables the Finnbirch to reach a top speed of 17 knots.

Here's a breakdown of the Finnbirch's dimensions:

  • Length: 155.19 m (overall) 137.01 m (between perpendiculars)
  • Breadth: 21.67 – 22.97 m
  • Depth: 14.66 m
  • Draught: 6.45 – 7.319 m

The Finnbirch's impressive technical specifications make it an efficient and reliable vessel, capable of handling various cargo and passenger needs.

Olja i Vraket

Gray and Black Ship on Sea
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In December 2018, Kustbevakningen discovered that Finnbirch was leaking oil.

Kustbevakningen continuously monitored the leak and installed a collection system to prevent the oil from spreading into the Östersjön.

60 kubikmeter of oil mixture (diesel and lubricating oil) were successfully removed from Finnbirch in 2019 by HaV in collaboration with JD-Contractor A/S.

Bunker oil, a thick and slow-flowing oil, was found in two of the ship's starboard bunker tanks during the 2019 recovery operation.

These tanks were supposed to be emptied in 2007, but the removal of the oil was not included in the original operation.

Technical Data

The technical data of a ship is crucial for understanding its capabilities and limitations. The length of a ship can vary, but the one we're discussing measures 155.19 meters overall and 137.01 meters between perpendiculars.

The breadth of the ship is not fixed, ranging from 21.67 to 22.97 meters. Depth is another important factor, measuring 14.66 meters.

Picturesque harbor scene in St. Petersburg, featuring a historic ship and waterfront architecture.
Credit: pexels.com, Picturesque harbor scene in St. Petersburg, featuring a historic ship and waterfront architecture.

The draught, or the depth of the ship below the waterline, varies between 6.45 and 7.319 meters. This affects the ship's stability and maneuverability.

The ship's tonnage is quite impressive, with a gross tonnage of 5752-5766 tons, a net tonnage of 2680-2807 tons, and a deadweight tonnage of 8672 tons.

The ship is powered by two Pielstick 12-cylinder 12PC2-5V-400 V-diesels, producing 11475 kW or 15600 bhp. This allows the ship to reach a speed of 17 knots.

Here's a summary of the ship's dimensions and tonnage:

The ship's capacity is also noteworthy, with the ability to carry 12 passengers, 1450 lane meters, 562 TEU, 82 x 20' C RoRo Deck, 242 x 20' C Deck, and 238 x 20' containers.

Gretchen Gerhold

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Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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