The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(BALTIMORE) — The 367-foot Asphalt Trader departed Baltimore on Saturday after it was detained for numerous safety discrepancies found during compliance inspections in 2016 and 2017.
A three-person examination team from Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region Port State Control branch inspected Asphalt Trader, previously known as Newlead Granadino, near the end of July 2017. After thorough inspection, the Coast Guard received the necessary documentation and verified the vessel is in a safe condition to depart Baltimore.
"We have worked with the previous and current crews and owners of Asphalt Trader and previously named Newlead Granadino for over 10 months," said Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Davis, a Sector Maryland-NCR PSC inspector. "We are really happy to see this vessel operating again, but even happier knowing the ship is now operating at or above the minimum standards for safety and pollution prevention."
During the ship’s examination in September 2016, multiple safety discrepancies were found involving the ship’s fire detection and suppression systems, emergency power, and life-saving systems.
The original owners were unable to conduct necessary repairs which caused the ship to be docked in Baltimore for 10 months. The ship was sold and renamed Asphalt Trader. Asphalt Trader departed Baltimore with all of its life-saving and firefighting systems intact and operational.
