CSL Group Final Report about the M/V Richelieu Incident

MONTREAL, July 29 /CNW Telbec/ - CSL Group reports that clean-up work on the banks of the Saint-Lawrence Seaway, in Côte Sainte-Catherine near Montréal, is completed and any fuel traces left on the shore line after the July 12 incident involving the M/V Richelieu have been removed.

CSL personnel were present throughout the clean-up operation and will remain on site until all equipment is demobilized.

Operations to pump out the remaining fuel from the damaged tank of the vessel demonstrate that the total quantity of fuel spilled during the incident was actually far less than reported in the news. The amount of fuel that leaked onto the main deck before being washed overboard is estimated to be at no more than four tonnes.

After temporary repairs, the vessel sailed to Québec City to unload her cargo of wheat, and then proceeded safely to the shipyard of Groupe Maritime Verreault in Les Méchins for permanent repairs to the hull. Repairs are now well underway.

CSL Group wishes to thank all the governmental agencies and authorities that offered their expertise and help. It also wishes to express its gratitude to ECRC (Eastern Canada Response Corporation) for its efficiency in implementing a clean-up plan.

In Canada, CSL Group owns and operates a fleet of 19 Canadian flag vessels (11 self-unloaders and 8 bulk carriers) that trade on the Great Lakes and the St-Lawrence Seaway system. These ships are fully crewed by Canadian seafarers. CSL Group is based in Montreal.

For further information: Jean François LeBrun, National Public Relations, [phone]; Roch Landriault, National Public Relations, [phone]