The ATSB has issued a number of safety recommendations after an electrical short circuit led to the grounding of a bulk carrier in the channel off Port Hedland, in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
Grounding of bulk carrier
On 9 April 2022, the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier departed its berth with a harbor pilot on board and four tugs assisting for an outbound passage of Port Hedland’s 40 km dredged channel.
During the transit, shortly after completing a turn, an electrical short circuit led to the loss of power to all of the ship’s analogue rudder angle indicators.
Incorrectly believing the ship’s steering had failed, the bridge team implemented the relevant emergency response procedures for a steering failure.
Manoeuvring orders issued during the response resulted in an uncontrolled turn to port, and a collision with the side of the channel at about 6.1 knots.
The ship was returned to the centre of the channel, and taken out to anchorage, where inspection revealed it was taking on water in two of its double-bottom water ballast tanks, due to substantial damage which required extensive repairs.
Fortunately, no injuries or pollution were reported.
Tug procedure safety issue addressed
The ATSB’s investigation also found the ship’s pilot had cast off the port and starboard shoulder tugs early, inconsistent with the recommended practices of Port Hedland’s escort towage strategy.
In response to the incident, the Pilbara Ports Authority updated its user guidelines and procedures to incorporate tug retention and utilisation practices, and guidance recommended in the port’s escort towage strategy.
Additionally, the pilotage provider, Port Hedland Pilots, advised the ATSB that its pilots now keep the forward two tugs fast, as recommended, for the relevant channel sections, unless prevented from doing so by weather or other factors.
Click to read the investigation report.
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Source: ATSB
