Tag: mooring

A new report aiming to verify the effect of the Automatic Mooring System on the emissions in the surroundings of the installations devoted to Ro-Ro/Pax vessel traffic, reveals that, in the RoRo/Pax terminals in which the AMS is operating, brings a reduction in CO2 emissions of 97%.

The UK P&I Club has reported several recent incidents involving crew at mooring stations, most of which have resulted in life-changing or even fatal injuries. Industry advice with respect to identifying and marking snap-back zones came under review in 2015, when a deck officer was seriously injured during a mooring operation.

Disputes between shipowners and charterers can take place when additional mooring ropes are required by a port. This causes confusion as to who is responsible to bear the cost. North P&I Club presents such a case and provides recommendations on how to reduce the risk of such disputes from happening.

The USCG issued an alert informing that recently, there have been a number of shore side marine bollard failures whereby moored vessels were cast adrift. In some cases, this resulted in damage to the involved vessel, as well as other nearby vessels and shore side structures, the USCG warned.

ABS issued a report focusing on the design aspect of position mooring systems. The Guide also provides criteria, technical requirements, and guidance on the design and analysis of position mooring systems. A mooring system has to restrict the offset of a floating structure/unit within prescribed limits, and maintain the directionality when the structure’s orientation for safety or operational considerations.

The Maritime Port Authority of Singapore signed a MoU with Keppel Offshore & Marine and the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore, to jointly develop autonomous vessels for a variety of operations, including channeling, berthing, mooring and towing operations.

Arrival at port is an important part of a ship’s voyage and there are actions to be taken aiming to ensure the smooth sail and safe approach of the ship at port. Failure in carrying out the appropriate procedures might lead to unfavorable situations both for vessel and port.

During the IMO SDC 5, held on 22-23 January, amendments to SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-8 and supporting guidelines for safe mooring operations were discussed among other issues. The Sub-Committee agreed to these draft amendments, with a view to submission to MSC 101 for approval. The draft amendments will be forwarded to MSC once the various Guidelines have been finalized.

The IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction, chaired by Mr. Kevin Hunter, held its fifth session from 22 to 26 January 2018. Important items discussed such as amendments to SOLAS Regulation with respect to safe mooring for all ships as well as safety standards for the carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages.

In its January issue of 'Safety Flashes', IMCA describes an injury case of an AB after falling into the water during mooring operations. This was a high potential near miss incident which could have been avoided if assistance was requested by the vessel Master from onshore.