Dear Colleagues,
Yesterday evening our MV Frederik collided with a large bulk carrier moored at the pier while docking at the Ölmühle in Hamburg.
The collision was only slight and there was no major damage. But it was a ship-to-ship contact and therefore a direct collision. And what had to happen happened: Police, PSC and the class had to confirm the ship's seaworthiness. Once again a lot of administrative work and high costs.
The following root cause analysis showed that the ship did not use fenders when passing the other ship.
A fender cannot prevent a collision but a fender can minimize damage and in the event of a collision we do not have the status of ship-to-ship contact.
In the following I have written a little about the use of fenders on board.
In future please always use fenders when docking and passing through narrow places.
Fenders are essential devices used on board ships to prevent damage to the vessel's hull and the berthing structure, such as docks or piers, as well as to safeguard other ships during close encounters. Here’s how they are typically utilized during berthing and when navigating narrow spaces:
1. During Berthing
When a ship approaches a dock or pier, the hull is at risk of scraping or colliding with the hard structure due to wind, current, or imperfect maneuvering. Fenders serve the following purposes:
Cushioning the Impact: Fenders absorb the energy of the ship's movement as it comes into contact with the dock, reducing the force transferred to both the ship's hull and the dock.
Maintaining Clearance: By creating a buffer zone, fenders prevent direct contact between the hull and the berthing structure, reducing the risk of scratches, dents, or structural damage.
Ensuring Stability: Fenders help stabilize the vessel against the dock, especially during loading or unloading operations, by providing consistent pressure.
Types of Fenders for Berthing:
Pneumatic Fenders: Air-filled and highly flexible, ideal for larger vessels.
Foam Fenders: Durable and can absorb substantial energy, suitable for various ship sizes.
Rubber Fenders: Commonly used due to their toughness and affordability.
Placement:
Fenders are placed along the side of the ship where it will contact the dock. Their positioning depends on the ship's design, the dock's structure, and the tidal conditions.
2. While Passing Narrow Places
Navigating narrow channels, locks, or near other ships can lead to accidental side swiping. Fenders are critical in these situations:
Protection Against Side Swiping: When a ship passes closely to another vessel or a fixed structure like a lock wall, fenders protect the hull by absorbing the friction or impact.
Reducing Structural Stress: In narrow areas where maneuvering space is limited, fenders help mitigate minor bumps that could otherwise escalate into serious damage.
Facilitating Close Passing: Ships often use fenders to ensure safe clearance while overtaking or crossing in confined waterways.
Placement:
Fenders are rigged on both sides of the vessel, especially along the side most likely to come into contact with another surface.
In narrow locks, vertical fenders are used to slide along the lock walls as the ship is raised or lowered.
General Guidelines for Fender Usage
Inspection: Before deployment, fenders should be inspected for wear and tear to ensure effectiveness.
Proper Securing: Fenders must be firmly secured to the ship with ropes or chains to avoid dislodging during use.
Adjustment: Fenders should be repositioned or adjusted based on the height of the dock, tide levels, or the specific risks of the passage.
By using fenders appropriately during berthing and in narrow passages, ships can minimize damage, enhance safety, and ensure smoother operations.
Comments