The NTSB has issued an investigation report into an incident in which a towing vessel maneuvering two loaded crude oil barges to the Chalmette Refinery dock caused the collapse of approximately 150 feet of the structure.
The incident
On April 25, 2023, at approximately 0004 local time, the towing vessel Ovide J was maneuvering two loaded crude oil barges to the Chalmette Refinery crude oil dock near mile 89 on the Lower Mississippi River in Chalmette, Louisiana, when the starboard barge contacted the dock. This resulted in the collapse of about 150 feet of the dock into the water. There were no injuries or pollution reported, but the dock’s pipelines, bridges, and pilings were extensively damaged, with an estimated repair cost of $7 million.
Analysis
During the early morning of April 25, the Ovide J was maneuvering two loaded crude oil barges to the Chalmette Refinery crude oil dock when the starboard barge contacted the no. 3 dolphin transfer platform, causing the dock to collapse.
The experienced relief captain had successfully docked at this location nearly 20 times that year, including earlier that week. He stated, “If I had to do it again, I would do it the same way over again. I would not change a thing.” The Ovide J‘s approach was at a controlled speed (under 0.5 mph) and at a shallow angle. The tow did not break up as a result of the contact, and the onboard recording showed no jolting movement, indicating no large impact on the towing vessel. No damage occurred to the fendering timbers or the pilings from the barge EMS 348’s contact.
A 2017 inspection report had identified major deterioration of several horizontal braces between dolphin no. 3 pilings, noting severe deterioration of two pilings and shifting of all pilings toward the shoreline. A 2021 visual structural inspection revealed damage such as disconnected joints and corrosion at the dolphin no. 3 transfer platform. Although a complete inspection was recommended, the dock owner had not acted on the recommendation by the time of the collapse, which occurred about 1 year and 5 months after the 2021 inspection.
The observed deterioration indicated the dock’s structural integrity had been severely compromised. The collapse, resulting from what appeared to be a low-impact docking contact, suggests that the dolphin no. 3 transfer platform could not sustain the forces of a typical docking. The dock owner was aware of the structural issues before the collapse but had not taken steps to address them. Since the collapse, the dock owner has initiated measures to more closely monitor dock integrity.
Probable cause
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the collapse of a section of the Chalmette Refinery crude oil dock during the docking of the Ovide J tow was the degraded condition of the no. 3 dolphin transfer platform structure.
Lessons Learned
Maintaining Waterfront Infrastructure
Dock owners must inspect, evaluate, maintain, and rehabilitate waterfront infrastructure, including facilities, piers, and docks, to minimize risks to the environment and vessels. Regular inspections and timely maintenance and replacement of infrastructure components are crucial to ensuring safe operations.
