Page 9 - INTERCARGO - Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2022
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Grounding
Grounding was the most common reported cause of bulk carrier losses from
2012 to 2021, with 13 casualties, representing 48.1% of total losses. The inves-
tigation reports available highlight that human error both operationally and in
navigation contributed to the majority of the 13 casualties.
The loss of the 2016-built very large ore carrier (VLOC) STELLAR BANNER while
carrying iron ore in February 2020 off the coast of Brazil, suggested that there
were serious issues related to the effectiveness of the Company’s navigation
and watchkeeping procedures among other considerations.
The grounding and the subsequent break-up of the 2007-built Newcastlemax
bulk carrier WAKASHIO was reportedly “most probably a result of ‘human fac-
tors’”. The most likely cause is that as the vessel passed five miles south of
Mauritius the crew was distracted by their search for a phone signal, communi-
cating with their families, and inadequate monitoring of the ECDIS. This incident
suggests inadequate ISM procedures and insufficient guidelines on performing
navigation in a safe manner.
Lessons learned
Learning lessons from incidents and casualties and sharing of experience have
proven to be effective approaches to raise safety awareness. It is vital to deepen
understanding and knowledge of existing rules, regulations and skills. However,
it appears that currently there is a significant delay between the time at which a
report, or an initial report is submitted by an accident investigating organisation
and when that information becomes publicly available.
Continued focus on safety awareness and safety measures helps to close gaps
in understanding and reduces the potential for similar casualties involving bulk
and ore carriers.
The bulk carrier industry should not be reluctant to make bold changes to ship
design in order to further improve the safety and survivability of dry bulk ves-
sels. Flag state reports of casualties must question and strive to alter existing
SOLAS, MARPOL, LOADLINE, IMSBC Codes and conventions if crew lives are
to be saved.
February, 2022
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