US Coast Guard COTP Prevents "STAR FUJI" From Entering Charleston, SC

Published Nov 9, 2006 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

The 616-foot container ship Star Fuji, last week prevented from berthing as scheduled at the port of Charleston, SC, has finally berthed, according to US Coast Guard spokespersons. On November 6th, the Coast Guard issued a press release announcing that they had barred the vessel from entering the port because a 20-foot long container on board the vessel was leaking chloroacetic acid. The Coast Guard, along with DHEC, SPA, Star line and Moran environmental Recovery then worked to repair the slowly-leaking container.

According to Coast Guard PAO sources, no chloroacetic acid had been spilled into the ocean. While the repairs and containment operation was underway, the Coast Guard required the Star Fuji to remain at least 12 miles off the coast of Charleston.

Coast guard spokesman CDR King told MarEx today that the vessel had finally berthed this morning, and was in the process of transferring the chloroacetic acid to another container. Following this operation, the ship’s operator was to make arrangements to safely offload the impacted, leaking container for cleaning and repairs. The vessel is also expected to shift to its intended discharge berth on Friday to discharge other cargo and then depart for Mobile, AL, where it will reportedly discharge the chloroacetic acid.

According to the coast guard press release, "Chloroacetic acid, which is used as an intermediate in a variety of commercial and industrial uses, such as, starch, caffeine and dyes, is harmful if inhaled or makes skin contact. The product rapidly disperses in air and water minimizing damage outside of the immediate vicinity."