Bulk Carrier Breakaway Incident Highlights Importance of Safety When Docking

A bulk carrier named Sirocco broke free from its moorings at the Convent Marine Terminal dock in Convent, La., on March 27, 2023, due to a strong current, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The Panamanian registered vessel was loading coal when it drifted down the Mississippi River and collided with a barge at the Mosaic Uncle Sam dock. Fortunately, there were no injuries or pollution reported, but the damage to the Sirocco, the barge, and the dock was estimated at $5 million.

An investigation revealed that the winch brake liners on the Sirocco’s bow showed signs of extreme heat and friction, indicating that the tension on the forward mooring lines exceeded the winches’ brake capacity. This caused the lines to slip in the strong river current, leading to the vessel breaking away from the dock. To prevent such incidents, vessel crews are advised to understand the forces at play when moored in a strong current and to ensure that slack is taken out of lines as the vessel loads, especially as the bow sits lower in the water.

The NTSB emphasized the importance of developing a response plan for a vessel breakaway to ensure crews are prepared to act swiftly in such situations. Vessel masters are encouraged to incorporate additional safety measures, such as keeping propulsion, thrusters, and steering systems on short standby and having anchors ready for immediate use. They should also be familiar with how to request tug support on short notice to mitigate the risks associated with vessel breakaways.

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