Market sources have identified Vernicos Zouros as the company overseeing a campaign to free the 53,565-dwt Marine Stars (built 2006), which has been stuck since 18 August.

The same industry contacts have tipped a cargoship controlled by Flinter Shipping of the Netherlands, the 5,750-dwt Flinterrachel (built 2009), as the unit hired to unload some of the grounded bulker’s cargo.

Observers note two Vernicos tugs are monitoring the Marine Stars, which is located near a number of fish farms and beaches frequented by summer tourists.

Market