Investigation Reveals Factors Behind $4.5 Million Cargo Crane Incident at South Carolina Terminal

Image Credits: NTSB

Last year, a crane barge’s mast collided with a ship-to-shore crane at the North Charleston Terminal in South Carolina, causing damage exceeding $4.5 million, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).On January 4, 2024, the towing vessel royal Engineer was navigating the Cooper River while pushing the crane barge Stevens 1471. The incident occured as thay maneuvered through a tight space between the docked containership Celsius Nicosia and a dredging vessel. Complicating matters was a floating discharge pipeline from the dredger that obstructed part of the channel.

The mate aboard Royal Engineer had prior knowledge of ongoing dredging operations and had even passed through this area just one day earlier. He recounted to investigators that he tried reaching out to the dredge crew twice for passing arrangements but only managed to connect about 15 minutes before arriving at their location.

Initially, he intended to ask if they could temporarily remove or adjust their pipeline so his tow could pass safely on one side. Though, after discussions with the dredge captain, it was decided that they would navigate through an even narrower gap between both vessels rather.

What went unnoticed during these arrangements was that part of the ship-to-shore crane extended beyond Celsius Nicosia’s edge into their path. Had he been aware of this overhead obstruction while planning their route around it, he might have taken steps to avoid it altogether.

The report highlighted an important safety reminder: “When conducting cargo operations and in lowered positions,ship-to-shore cranes can extend significantly beyond vessels’ sides and pose risks for nearby high-profile vessels.” Mariners are urged always to consider air drafts when assessing navigational hazards.

For more details on this incident and its implications for maritime safety practices, check out the full report here.