LPG Tanker - Shipwreck Log

On the morning of January 4, the 98 meter long, 4811 dwt double hulled LPG tanker Bitihi 2. (IMO: 8817693) became disabled on the Sea of Marmara near Büyükada, Turkey. The Bitihi 2. had departed from it anchorage off Yeşilköy on January 2 and proceeded into the Sea of Marmara. While maneuvering the LPG tanker suffered machinery failure and lost main engine propulsion. The Bitihi 2. went adrift with winds pushing the tanker towards the Büyükada shoreline and was in risk of running aground on Adalar.

The General Directorate of Coastal Safety (KEGM) received a report of the disabled Bitihi 2. and dispatched the 38.5 meter long tugboat Kurtarma-9 (IMO: 9598581) to assist. The tug would arrived on site and secure a towline to the Bitihi 2. The vessels would proceed to the Tuzla Iron Field Anchorage where the tanker dropped anchor.

The General Directorate of Coastal Safety reported there were no injuries, damage or pollution released.

The Bitihi 2. was built in 1990 and has prior mechanical problems. In December 2015 the Bitihi 2 would suffer engine failure in the Bosphorus. The following year the tanker would suffer rudder failure in the Aegean Sea. The Bitihi 2. has changed its name 5 times since 2021 and its flag 4 times.

Eco Wizard

July 7, 2025 Paul Hancock

On July 6, the 180 meter long, 30062 dwt LPG tanker Eco Wizard (IMO: 9941568) exploded in the Gulf of Finland while berthed at the port of Ust-Luga, Russia. The Eco Wizard had arrived from Antwerp, Belgium and had begun unloading and loading operations. Authorities state an explosion occurred during these operations resulting in a leak of liquid ammonia. All 23 crew were evacuated from the tanker while emergency personnel attempted to contain the leak. Authorities did not disclose the extent of damage to the Eco Wizard, but divers are set to inspect the hull for damage. The Eco Wizard is suspected to belong to Russia’s “shadow fleet” and there is some speculation the explosion was an act of sabotage.

NP Bangpakong

March 26, 2025 Paul Hancock

On March 25, the 100 meter long, 3996 dwt LPG tanker NP Bangpakong (IMO: 9020455) ran aground in the Gulf of Thailand on the island of Koh Larn, near Pattaya City, Thailand. The tanker had departed from Bang Pakong District to Map Ta Phut Port when it veered onto a rocky outcrop to avoid colliding with a fishing vessel.

An initial inspection of the NP Bangpakong found there were no damage to the cargo tanks. A tugboat was requested to pull the tanker free off the rocks. Authorities state the NP Bangpakong will undergo an inspection for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.