Half of Venezuela's merchant navy tankers in dry dock

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Thursday, March 27, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

5 of 13 Venezuelan merchant navy (PDV-Marina) tankers are out of circulation ... and tankers, "Paria" and "Caura" have already lost their international classification because of lack of maintenance. 

The tanker "Inicairte" has a split in one of its cargo tanks and must be repaired before the next inspection or lose its certificate.

The "Ambrosio" also reports problems in the tanks as well as loading and unloading tubes. 

The "Moruy" has problems in its main engine preventing it from moving anchor and the "Pilin Leon" tanker, which led the merchant navy's revolt against the Venezulan government, has remained anchored for the very same reason.

All in all, it means that only 6 of 13 tankers are in any normal state for carrying cargoes of gasoline and petroleum.