SIMIC

A COLLISION of a tug and a containership in the Houston Ship Channel last year was caused by excessive speed during an advanced harbour-assisted maneuver, according to the National Transportation Safety Board, reports Bangalore's Marine Insight.

The incident occurred when the tugboat George M was positioning for a ship-assist maneuver, and the 6,492-TEU MSC Aquarius was transiting north in the channel.



A THOUSANDS gallons of gear oil were released from the damaged George M's portside propulsion unit, and damages to both vessels amounted to over US$900,000.



During the harbour-assisted operation to dock the MSC Aquarius at the terminal, the George M was assigned the "centre lead forward" position on the container ship's bow.



To reach the bow of the MSC Aquarius, the tugboat had to maneuver into position ahead of the container ship, bow-to-bow.



Unfortunately, during this maneuver, the mate on the George M, who was operating the tugboat, approached the containership while it was moving at 9.7 knots.



As the tugboat attempted to connect its line to the containership, it deviated from the centerline.



Despite the mate's efforts to regain position, the tugboat was unable to do so, resulting in the collisions.



One key issue identified in the investigation was the lack of communication between the mate on the George M and the pilot of the MSC Aquarius.



The mate did not communicate with the pilot after being assigned to the centre lead forward position, and therefore, the pilot was unaware of the tugboat's status or the need to slow down.



The NTSB concluded that the probable cause of the collision was the George M mate's attempt to make up bow-to-bow while both vessels were transiting at a speed that was excessive for the advanced harbour-assisted maneuver.



Proper communication and a more cautious approach to the maneuver could have averted the collision, said the NTSB.