(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) On 21 August 2024, the 274-meter long oil tanker Sounion, owned by Delta Tankers and crewed by 25 Filipinos and Russians, with four security personnel, was targeted by Houthi militants while near the mouth of the Red Sea. Two Houthi fast attack craft engaged in a firefight with the Sounion armed guards before three projectiles struck the tanker. The initial attack caused a fire on board that was extinguished, but also resulted in engine failure and the loss of propulsion. The tanker was en route from Basrah, Iraq to the oil refinery at Agioi Theodoroi in Greece. The entire crew was rescued by the European UnionAspides naval military operation while the ship was drifting about 77 nautical miles to the west of Al Hudaydah port, using the French frigate Chevalier Paul to evacuate the crew to nearby Djibouti on 22 August 2024.
Ambipar Response, the emergency response division of the globally renowned Ambipar Group, played a pivotal role in the high-profile rescue operation of the Sounion tanker (IMO: 9312145) in the Red Sea. Following the Houthi missile attack that engulfed the vessel in flames, Ambipar’s efforts were instrumental in averting an environmental disaster of historic proportions. The operation, which has garnered extensive international media coverage, successfully protected 150,000 tonnes of crude oil from what could have been one of the largest oil spills in history.
Preventing an Environmental Catastrophe
The environmental stakes were immense. Experts warned that a spill of this scale could have been four times more devastating than the Exxon Valdez disaster, with repercussions extending far beyond the Red Sea. The potential damage threatened crucial coastal ecosystems, vital resources, and critical infrastructure, including desalination plants serving millions of people.
As part of a coordinated global response, Ambipar Response brought vital environmental expertise to the effort, collaborating closely with salvage specialists like Megatugs Salvage & Towage, EODEX, Ambrey, and the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR). Together, they achieved the extraordinary: extinguishing the fire and securing the vessel with minimal environmental impact.
Deploying Advanced Strategies
Ambipar’s involvement underscored its exceptional readiness to tackle complex environmental emergencies. Drawing on resources from its operations in Spain, Brazil, and the UK, the company deployed cutting-edge technology and innovative strategies to prevent pollution. This included advanced oil containment systems, real-time environmental monitoring, and the rapid mobilization of specialized response teams.
“This operation tested the limits of our capabilities, and Ambipar’s preparedness was a decisive factor,” said Martin Barnes, Marine Response Lead at Ambipar Response. “From the outset, our focus was not only on mitigating immediate risks but also ensuring the long-term safety of the environment. This mission exemplifies the critical importance of investing in advanced crisis readiness.”
A Commitment to Environmental Leadership
Ambipar’s role in the Sounion salvage operation highlights its dedication to global environmental safety and sustainability. “This mission reaffirmed our commitment to leading the way in innovative environmental crisis management,” Barnes stated. “As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, we remain determined to pioneer sustainable and effective solutions.”
Source: Ambipar Response
