Published Monday, 02 January 2012
A crack developed on the upper deck of the Genmar Companion in the middle of December when it was sailing from Rotterdam to New York to deliver its cargo of 54,000 tonnes of vacuum gas oil.
The vessel was 40 miles west of Tory Island, Co Donegal, when the crack was reported.
BW Seine, the offload tanker, is at the scene and is anchored close to the damaged vessel in Belfast Lough.
The transfer process was due to begin on Saturday, however, poor weather conditions delayed the offload tanker's journey to Northern Ireland. It was then due to commence on Monday, but has been further delayed.
The situation will be reviewed again on Tuesday morning.
When the process eventually begins, it is expected to take approximately 24-36 hours.
On completion, the Genmar Companion will enter Belfast Harbour for repairs. The vessel has been sheltering off the Copeland Islands at the entrance to the lough since 16 December.
A spokesperson for the Press Officer Maritime and Coastguard Agency said that the crack did not appear to extend to any of the oil cargo holding structures but, as a precautionary measure, the vessel's Master chose to seek both shelter and advice before continuing passage.
Hugh Shaw, The Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention, said: "The Ship to Ship transfer operation was originally scheduled to commence on the 31 December, but was delayed primarily due to poor weather conditions experienced by BW Seine en route from Sweden to Northern Ireland."
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: "Over the period of this incident, I have been actively seeking reassurances that there is no threat to our marine environment.
"I am continuing to keep a close eye on all the developments. My officials are working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and are keeping me fully briefed."
Alan Chambers, an Independent councillor for North Down, is concerned that the area of scientific interest may become polluted as a result of the transfer.
"I think that as a public representative, I would have expected to have at least been briefed on what is happening and what the intentions were for this ship but there really has been a news black out on it," he said.