When the 192-meter bulk carrier "Mineral Dragon" suffered a catastrophic anchor and chain loss in the Istanbul anchorage area, Seaway Ship Services was immediately mobilized to execute one of the most technically demanding at-sea recovery and installation operations in recent maritime history. With a vessel displacement exceeding 178,000 deadweight tonnes positioned in open water, this project demanded extraordinary expertise in heavy-lift marine operations, precision engineering and seamless coordination across multiple specialized teams.
The challenge was formidable: retrieve massive multi-ton anchoring equipment from quayside storage, transport it across busy shipping lanes, position alongside an anchored vessel in active seas and execute flawless installation of the port side anchor and complete chain assembly—all without drydocking or towing the vessel to port. Operating in one of the world's busiest maritime corridors, our team faced the added complexity of coordinating with port authorities, managing vessel traffic and accounting for tidal movements and weather windows.
This project showcased Seaway's unparalleled capabilities in complex marine engineering. Our specialized crew coordinated heavy-lift crane operations, tugboat positioning, diving support teams and windlass system integration to deliver a complete anchoring system restoration. The successful at-sea installation eliminated weeks of costly vessel downtime and demonstrated why Seaway is recognized as Turkey's premier provider of emergency maritime solutions for critical vessel systems.
