Preventive Measures Following MV Maras Lerwick Berthing Incident

On 2 May 2026 at approximately 1200 hrs, the mv Maras arrived at the Port of Lerwick and, during berthing maneuvers, made violent stern-first contact with the quay wall.

As a result of the impact:

• Hull plating in way of the engine room was damaged

• Fortunately, no fuel leakage occurred

• The vessel suffered operational delays and substantial repair costs

It was determined that:

• The Captain was alone on the bridge during the maneuver

• The Captain had no prior experience calling at Lerwick

• Despite unfamiliarity with the port, no pilot was engaged

Key Lessons Identified

This incident highlights several critical failures in bridge resource management and voyage/berthing planning:

1. Insufficient Bridge Manning During Critical Maneuvers

   Docking operations require adequate bridge team support.

2. Failure to Utilize Available Pilotage

   Pilotage should be considered an essential risk mitigation tool in unfamiliar ports.

3. Inadequate Risk Assessment Prior to Berthing

   The Master did not sufficiently evaluate the risks associated with maneuvering in an unfamiliar harbor.

Mandatory Preventive Measures for HLB Fleet

Effective immediately, all Masters and Officers are reminded of the following requirements:

1. Pilot Utilization in Unfamiliar Ports

Masters shall take a pilot when entering or berthing at unfamiliar ports unless:

• Pilotage is unavailable, and

• A documented risk assessment supports proceeding without one.

2. Minimum Bridge Manning for Berthing/Unberthing

During all docking/undocking operations:

• The Master shall not conduct maneuvers alone

• Adequate bridge team members must be present, including:

• Officer of the Watch

• Helmsman (if applicable)

• Additional officer/lookout as required by circumstances

3. Enhanced Pre-Arrival Risk Assessment

Prior to arrival at any unfamiliar port, Masters shall:

• Review berth plans and port approach information

• Assess environmental conditions (wind, current, tide)

• Identify maneuvering constraints and tug requirements

• Conduct a formal Master/Pilot exchange where applicable

4. Bridge Resource Management Compliance

All officers are reminded that effective BRM principles must be applied:

• Challenge and response culture

• Shared situational awareness

• Proper task delegation

• Continuous monitoring during critical operations

5. Master’s Standing Orders Review

Masters shall review standing orders with deck officers to ensure clear expectations for:

• Pilot embarkation criteria

• Manning requirements

• Berthing risk escalation

Final Reminder

Incidents of this nature are preventable through prudent seamanship, proper planning, and disciplined bridge team management. Masters are reminded that commercial pressures must never override safe navigational decision-making.

Safe operation remains our highest priority.