Suez canal ship? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cmac2012 · #16 03-27-2021, 04:10 PM

That is one big-ass ship. I've been thinking offloading as fast as possible from the beginning. That and pressure washing/sand removal at each end. You would think the keel, the large parts, would be away from the ends somewhat.

davidmash · #17 03-27-2021, 06:26 PM

I am guessing the momentum of 220,000 tons running aground is going to wedge it pretty good.

I am sure minds far better than ours are working on this.

The things I have read are that off loading is problematic because they do not have storage for the containers on site. Pumping ballast could make the ship unstable and the 8 or so tugs they have on site have not made a dent.

INSIDIOUS · #18 03-27-2021, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmash

I am guessing the momentum of 220,000 tons running aground is going to wedge it pretty good.

I am sure minds far better than ours are working on this.

The things I have read are that off loading is problematic because they do not have storage for the containers on site. Pumping ballast could make the ship unstable and the 8 or so tugs they have on site have not made a dent.

Looks like no shortage of land to stack up the containers let them stay until the other ships are cleared. Loss of that cargo is nothing compared to the rest.

cmac2012 · #19 03-27-2021, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmash

I am guessing the momentum of 220,000 tons running aground is going to wedge it pretty good.

I am sure minds far better than ours are working on this.

The things I have read are that off loading is problematic because they do not have storage for the containers on site. Pumping ballast could make the ship unstable and the 8 or so tugs they have on site have not made a dent.

I was thinking loading it on ships and move it out of the available end of the canal.

But you are of course correct. There are some top-flight engineers working around the clock on this at this moment.

t walgamuth · #20 03-27-2021, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botnst

Looking at a photo of the ship, it’s like a huge sail. Lateral wind probably surprised the pilot who undercompensated and the massive ship drifted out of the narrow fairway.

There are huge cranes on barges in major seaports. Depending on how far it has to travel, a crane barge could unload containers to other vessels to lighten the load

Pumping sand from under it is a viable, but potentially damaging alternative. Pumping could put an uneven load on the keel which could damage the hull with failure of water-right integrity a real possibility.

The pilot and Master are in huge trouble. Their careers are probably over.

I dunno, maybe with the sand storm they might survive. What you gonna do when a storm like that hits with you in the canal? I saw a map which seemed to indicate there are sand bars in the canal. I imagine they would shift around too.

davidmash · #21 03-28-2021, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmac2012

I was thinking loading it on ships and move it out of the available end of the canal.

But you are of course correct. There are some top-flight engineers working around the clock on this at this moment.

A marine engineer I was listening to last night was talking about something related to the weight and balance of the ship. If it is not unloaded in a very specific manner (exceedingly difficult when not in a port environment with boat cranes) is that if you unload in the incorrect manner it can place stress on the keel of the ship and essentially snap it in half.

Seems like every solution they come up with comes with a huge risk to the ship and the waterway. He was saying it could be weeks till the ship is refloated.

cornemuse · #22 03-28-2021, 10:31 AM

Kuan · #23 03-28-2021, 12:16 PM

Can they open a lock and let more water into the canal from one side?

INSIDIOUS · #24 03-28-2021, 12:36 PM

while it is there they should change the name from Ever Given to Never Movin'

davidmash · #25 03-28-2021, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

Can they open a lock and let more water into the canal from one side?

No locks. Canal is free flowing.

cmac2012 · #26 03-28-2021, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

Can they open a lock and let more water into the canal from one side?

Even if they could, the banks look pretty low. Not sure how much vertical movement is possible.

Reports are now that they are looking to lighten the load. My guess is they'd have to choreograph it by removing equal amounts from each side simultaneously. Or pretty close to simultaneous.

cmac2012 · #27 03-28-2021, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I dunno, maybe with the sand storm they might survive. What you gonna do when a storm like that hits with you in the canal? I saw a map which seemed to indicate there are sand bars in the canal. I imagine they would shift around too.

I had a similar thought. If the winds were strong enough, you wonder if the rudders and props could move the ship quickly enough to forestall this sort of thing. That is a large looking sail.

The one hope the skipper has is that the winds were record breaking strong.

Then again, maybe not:

Strong wind not main reason for Suez ship grounding: Canal chief

sloride · #28 03-28-2021, 05:50 PM

I hope it sits there for years. Less containers with Chinese junk spreading around the world that way.

Kuan · #29 03-28-2021, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmash

No locks. Canal is free flowing.

Ah got it.

t walgamuth · #30 03-28-2021, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmac2012

I had a similar thought. If the winds were strong enough, you wonder if the rudders and props could move the ship quickly enough to forestall this sort of thing. That is a large looking sail.

The one hope the skipper has is that the winds were record breaking strong.

Then again, maybe not:

Strong wind not main reason for Suez ship grounding: Canal chief

When the Mrs and I visited the panama canal about ten years ago I watched tugs trying to line a large car hauling boat up to enter the canal. At first I could not figure out what they were doing but finally I realized there was moderate breeze and it was moving that enormous ship around a lot. They did line it up though and got it through.

I imagine in a storm it would be five to ten times worse.

Four tugs seems like nothing. I would expect to need more like 20.