The car carrier Fremantle Highway (IMO 9667344) has entered a new stage of its life, under a new name (the Floor), after many months of salvage operations in Rotterdam.
Boskalis, manager of heavy load carrier Boka Vanguard (IMO 9618783) has embarked on the next important phase in the new life of a vessel that has been in salvage for the past 15 months, and now bears little resemblance to its former persona.
The Japanese-owned Fremantle Highway, which was under charter to “K” Line, caught fire overnight on July 25th 2023 (IMN July 27th 2023 and many subsequent dates). It was loaded with more than 3,700 vehicles at the time and was one of the major marine insurance losses of 2023
The vessel was in transit fully laden in the North Sea when a significant fire developed on board. SMIT Salvage and a partner provided emergency response services, successfully stabilizing the vessel, bringing the fire under control and towing the car carrier to Eemshaven, where the salvage team carried out essential quayside work.
The Boka Vanguard has now loaded the Floor, as the Fremantle Highway is now called, onto its 275-metre long and more than 70-metre wide deck. In the coming days, the cargo will be sea-fastened for a journey to the Far East, where it will undergo further repairs and modifications before returning to service.
At the time of the fire the 2013-built, Panama-flagged, 59,525 gt Fremantle Highway was owned by Luster Maritime/Higaki Sangyo care of manager Shoei Kisen KK of Imabari, Japan. ISM manager is Wallem Shipmanagement Ltd of Hong Kong, China. It was entered with Japan Club.
The vessel is still described as a vehicles carrier. It continues to be owned by Luster Maritime/Higaki Sangyo care of manager Shoei Kisen KK of Imabari, Japan. ISM manager is still Wallem Shipmanagement Ltd of Hong Kong, China, but is no longer registered with any Group Club.
As of October 16th the Boka Vanguard remained moored in Rotterdam.