The Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Bulk India ran aground in 2018 in a channel during its departure from Dampier, Western Australia when it lost steering and propulsion due to a total electrical blackout from a failed generator. The ATSB issued an investigation report on the incident.
The incident
On 11 March 2018, during departure from Dampier, Western Australia under harbour pilot guidance, the bulk carrier Bulk India experienced an electrical blackout resulting in loss of propulsion and steering control.
As a result, the ship exited the channel and ran aground. The ship was recovered into the channel with the aid of tugs, before being taken out the channel, to anchor, for further investigation.
Findings
- The electrical blackout occurred because the auxiliary diesel generator engines shut down after the cooling water temperature controller malfunctioned, resulting in overheated cooling water. The ship’s engineers did not immediately identify the problem and were unable to manually operate the cooling water temperature control valve in time to prevent the blackout.
- The ATSB also found that the problems in the engine room started about 13 minutes before the blackout, however the two pilots on board were not informed of the situation. This removed the opportunity for the pilots to prepare for the loss of control, and delayed actions that may have assisted in a more timely or more effective response.
- Further, it was found that Bulk India’s emergency generator was not fit for service. When the blackout occurred, the engine started but shut down shortly after, due to overheating. The radiator fan belt had failed several months prior but had not been replaced.
The operator did not have in place adequate procedures to ensure that critical spares were identified and their inventory level maintained, to guarantee availability when required on board.
Actions taken
The operator, Kowa Marine Service, has undertaken a fleetwide program of continual improvement of its safety management and operating systems, and staff education and training processes. This included actions directed at identification, operation, maintenance and spare parts management relating to critical plant and machinery.
Rio Tinto have revised escort towage arrangements for ships departing their facilities in Dampier on the basis of extensive simulation exercises and a review of existing risk assessments. As a result, attendance by a second tug has been extended to number 3 beacons.
Further, a comprehensive guidance manual for ship towage operations in Dampier and Port Walcott has been developed.
Lessons learned
Ship operators and crewmembers should ensure that systems, machinery and equipment, critical to the continued safe operation of the ship, are thoroughly understood, as well as appropriately maintained and tested. This will reduce the likelihood of an emergency situation relating to these items developing and provide a defence against adverse outcomes, should such a situation arise.
