Tag: mooring

Preventative actions with a view to preventing recurrence A large crude carrier berthed at a loading terminal, deploying two headlines, four breastlines, two backsprings forward and two sternlines, four breastlines, two backsprings aft, as recommended by the pilot. After loading commenced, moorings were regularly tended to by ship's staff.However, the following evening, the terminal suspended loading, stating that the vessel had moved position forward by 2.5 metres. The vessel contested this claim, estimating that the movement did not exceed a metre. Nevertheless, the crew immediately repositioned the vessel to the satisfaction of the terminal and loading was resumed. Root cause/contributory factorsInappropriate advice on moorings configuration by berthing pilot that was not in accordance with published guidelines which recommended a 3-2-2 configuration of mooring lines fore and aft;Location of the shore fittings (quick-release hooks) was such that the after breastlines led ahead, acting like additional after backsprings;Uneven distribution of forces caused the vessel to move ahead during loading.Corrective actionsVessel was repositioned immediately by ship's staff to the terminal's satisfaction;A prominent reference mark was secured on the ship's rail and the correct position of the ship at the berth was closely and continuously monitored; Master and chief officer held a meeting with ...

The Master should determine an optimum mooring plan After completing loading operations our gas tanker's crew secured the ship's accommodation ladder. As a routine pre-sailing procedure, the terminal had rigged a temporary gangway from the shore for two representatives, who boarded to disconnect the loading arm.A large tanker passed our vessel, causing it to surge and sway away from the jetty by about two metres. The shore end of the gangway came away from the jetty and fell on top of taut mooring ropes (after backsprings). Immediately, our crew safely re-moored the vessel and the shore gangway was repositioned and secured. The gangway and loading arm were visually examined after the incident. Damage caused: The wire operating the counterweight of the loading arm was stretched during the incident and will need renewal; The triple swivel of the loading arm was found to be stuck after the incident and will need to be surveyed and repaired.Potential lossesThere was a risk of death/or serious injury to the terminal personnel if they happened to be on the gangway at the time of the incident; The loading arm will be out of service for some time, resulting in financial consequences for the terminal; The ...