Long-Detained Asphalt Ship Leaves Port of Baltimore

The asphalt carrier Asphalt Trader departed the Port of Baltimore on Saturday after resolving multiple safety discrepancies found during port state control inspections in 2016 and 2017.

A three-person examination team from Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region Port State Control branch inspected the Asphalt Trader, previously known as the Newlead Granadino, near the end of July 2017. After thorough inspection, the Coast Guard received the necessary documentation and verified that the vessel is in a safe condition to depart Baltimore.

"We have worked with the previous and current crews and owners of the Asphalt Trader and previously named Newlead Granadino for over 10 months," said Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Davis, a Sector Maryland-NCR PSC inspector. "We are really happy to see this vessel operating again, but even happier knowing the ship is now operating at or above the minimum standards for safety and pollution prevention."  

During the ship’s examination in September 2016, multiple safety discrepancies were found involving the ship’s fire detection and suppression systems, emergency power and life-saving systems. The original owners were unable to conduct necessary repairs, which left her detained in Baltimore for 10 months. The ship was eventually sold and renamed the Asphalt Trader. Under new management, and with repairs completed, she got under way at last; as of Monday, her AIS signal showed her southbound off the coast of North Carolina.