According to Gard P&I Club, there has been a significant number of heavy weather-related incidents off the South African coast with the number of incidents recorded in the region to have reached the same level as the combined total from 2021 to 2023 within the first nine months of this year.
As explained by Kim Thomassen Watle, Senior Business Analyst, Gard, Siddharth Mahajan, Loss Prevention Manager, Asia, Gard and Robert Dadson, Senior Business Analyst, Gard, this reflects the increase in traffic outside the Cape of Good Hope since the start of the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The rerouting of ships not only adds 10-14 days of transit time but it also exposes the vessels to harsher weather and increased risk of damage and claims.
Key risks and recommendations
Vehicle carriers and container vessels, the vessel types that in relative terms have constituted the biggest increase in traffic outside the Cape, have the highest frequency of weather-related claims, according to Gard’s H&M claims data for the period 2015-2023. This is partly due to the sheer number of cargo units these vessels carry, making them more susceptible to damage from lashing or stowage failures, and any failure in lashing or stowage on one unit can trigger a domino effect.
Whether it is a container vessel, vehicle carrier, general cargo vessel carrying breakbulk cargo or any other type of vessel, cargo lashings should be able to withstand the anticipated weather and vessel motions, and the crew should have evidence to support this.
Furthermore, there are also other risks shipowners and mariners should bear in mind. Severe weather can cause vessels to lose propulsion, making them susceptible to the elements and potential hazards like collisions or groundings. In many heavy weather-related claims handled by Gard worldwide, there have been instances of either temporary or prolonged loss of propulsion. Such incidents often lead to the vessel being broadside to the waves, resulting in heavy rolling. If this occurs in a busy waterway, it poses a navigational risk to other vessels. In a few cases, vessels were not able to regain propulsion, and salvage/towage had to be arranged.
Gard’s experts conclude with emphasizing the crucial role of proper weather routeing. Analyzing the wave height data for vessels that have had a heavy weather-related claim off South Africa, it seems that they were unable to avoid high waves despite the availability of advanced weather routeing tools and services. It is worth noting that Gard has observed that weather routeing advice to a vessel can vary depending on whether the principal is a charterer or an owner, which ideally should not be the case.
Gard recommends therefore that there’s clarity and a common understanding among all stakeholders (owners, managers, charterers, routing service providers, and crew) regarding the weather thresholds for every voyage.
