LETTERS | UAE operator issues response regarding rig grounding off Tunisia

To the editor,

We refer to your recent article, “When things go wrong: Scrappers turn shipowners; Ocean Valiant aground…” and wish to correct several inaccuracies regarding SPM Shipping and the incident involving Ocean Valiant.

SPM Shipping acknowledges the public interest in the grounding of Ocean Valiant, which was under tow by our AHTS SPM Neel Pratap 180 near Tunisia. At the time, all necessary regulatory approvals were in place and the towage was conducted in accordance with international safety standards, with oversight by a marine warranty surveyor.

The grounding was the result of an unforeseen weather window combined with technical challenges encountered during the tow. We emphasise that the crew of SPM Neel Pratap 180 is highly trained and has remained on site since the incident, diligently safeguarding the asset in line with maritime obligations.

Throughout the towage and in the aftermath, the crew has provided regular daily updates to the vessel owners, charterers, and the appointed marine warranty surveyor, ensuring all stakeholders were kept fully informed. They also maintained active communication with the Tunisian Coast Guard and local authorities, including requests for assistance prior to the rig’s grounding.

A full internal review is underway, and we are cooperating with relevant authorities. We also emphasise that SPM Neel Pratap 180 remains on site. However, it is not participating in salvage operations, as [those] are being carried out independently.

SPM Shipping operates independently from its parent company’s recycling business, with a fleet maintained to class standards and operated in compliance with ISM, ISPS, and MLC regulations. We continue to be trusted by reputable charterers across multiple regions.

We urge accurate, fact-based reporting in future coverage of such incidents and would request that the article be withdrawn/amended, as its current form contains misleading information that is detrimental to our professional reputation and need to be addressed immediately.

Kind regards,

Varsha Mishra

Marketing Manager

SPM Shipping DMCC, UAE

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