A Marshall Islands safety investigation has highlighted a decision to deviate from a passage plan as a major factor leading to the loss of a Polaris Shipping controlled VLOC last year.
The fully laden 300,000-dwt Stellar Banner (built 2016) contacted the bottom shortly after departing Vale's Brazilian Ponta da Madeira Terminal on 24 February 2020.
After taking on water the vessel was deliberately grounded by the ship's master.
