'Port Union' gas tanker picks up crew member on way to US

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14:  The Port Union gas tanker stopped off in Bermudian waters briefly at the weekend to pick up an extra member of crew.

A Belgian superintendent was flown in from Hamburg to conduct inspections and safety checks on board.

The Port Union, which originated in Ghana, was loaded with 30,000 tonnes of natural gas. She stopped at Five Fathom Hole off St David’s at 9pm on Sunday, while the superintendent was ferried out to the ship by the pilot boat.

The whole operation took 20 minutes and the vessel continued on her way to New York.

The Port Union is expected to arrive in the US in good time, to avoid Tropical Storm Maria.

Other ships have not been so lucky this week.

The Norwegian Gem has cancelled her 19th trip of the year to Bermuda as a precaution against the weather. She was due to arrive in Dockyard today.

The Bermuda Islander will remain a day behind schedule, arriving on Friday due to rough seas.

The Somers Isles arrived in Hamilton yesterday, as did the Veendam, after spending the day anchored off St George’s.

The Carnival Miracle, from New York, is the only arrival today. She is due in Dockyard at 8am for the third time this year, and returns to the US on Friday.

Sister ship the Carnival Fantasy, will arrive in the east end on Saturday. Her 2,000 passengers will be on the island for just over 24 hours before heading back to Charleston.

Finally the Oleander will arrive in Hamilton on Sunday evening.