Sichem Defiance - Tank rupture

11 Jan, 2010

EMS Ship Management, managers of the combined chemical and oil tanker Sichem Defiance, report the ship has experienced an incident today while loading at anchorage in New York Harbor.

The ship was loading ethanol when its No 3 tank ruptured. Operations were immediately halted and the vessel response plan was activated and all relevant authorities were notified.

All 18 members of the crew are safe with no injuries. There was no fire and the ship is now safely anchored.

There was no pollution from the incident. The Coast Guard, local fire department and EMS Ship Management's contracted cleanup response company are all on scene.

The exact cause of the tank rupture is not known at this time.

EMS Ship Management is coordinating with the Authorities to ensure that the situation remains under control.

EMS Ship Management will fully cooperate and participate in the Coast Guard's investigation into the tank rupture.

Eitzen Maritime Services ASA