Giant Platform Castoro Otto In Istanbul Strait

ISTANBUL (A.A) - 19.05.2002 - Liberian flagged giant platform ''Castoro Otto'', used to install pipeline under Black Sea within the framework of ''Blue Stream'' pipeline project, entered Istanbul Strait on Sunday.
The giant platform, 191 meters in length, 33,862 gross tonnes in weight, which entered Istanbul Strait at 12.30 local time, is tugged by 192 meters length British flagged tugboat ''Porto Solvo''.
''Pehlivan-2'', ''Poyraz'', and ''Kizkulesi'' the tugboats of Turkish Maritime Enterprises escort the giant platform.
Istanbul Strait was closed to transit passages because of passage of ''Castoro Otto.''
Official said passage will last for 3.5 hours, noting that the giant platform would sail to Black Sea at 16.00 local time.