The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has issued several safety recommendations after an electrical short circuit led to the grounding of a bulk carrier in the channel off Port Hedland, in Western
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has issued several 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.
On April 9, 2022, the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Hagen Oldendorff departed its berth with a harbor pilot on board and four tugs assisting for an outbound passage of Port Hedland’s 40km 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.
Maneuvering 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 center 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.
No injuries or pollution were reported.
“Port Hedland is the largest bulk export port in the world, and a grounding
Content Original Link:
" target="_blank">
