Experience Feedback
At a river port in West Africa, a bulk carrier under pilotage and with tugs assisting was to double-bank with a bulk cement storage vessel that was moored to a berth located on a sharp bend in the estuary. The cement vessel had several large pneumatic rubber fenders deployed on her offshore side. The bulk carrier had lowered both her bower anchors to just outside the hawsepipes for letting go.
During the final approach, she encountered a strong cross-current which canted her bow sharply to starboard on to the cement vessel. The overhanging starboard anchor struck the cement vessel before the fenders on the waterline could cushion the impact and caused extensive damage to the cement vessel’s side shell and internals. The accident was analysed and the underlying causes were identified as incorrect estimation of ebb current and lack of knowledge and skills on the part of the bridge team.
Corrective/preventative actions
The company decided to implement the following steps immediately:
1. Leadership training for key bridge team personnel;
2. Analysis of all critical operations and tasks;
3. Immediate investigation of all accidents/incidents and communication of findings and recommendations;
4. Improve emergency preparedness.
Source: Mars/Nautical Institute