Mooring Line Incidents on the Rise, According to Gard’s Report

Marine insurer Gard has observed an increase in incidents involving mooring lines, particularly during high winds, with wind speeds exceeding 80 km/h in some cases. These incidents mainly affect cruise ships but also pose a risk to other large vessels, highlighting the importance of safe berthing operations to prevent damage and injury.

Defective mooring lines can lead to damage to vessels and port structures, as well as environmental pollution, accidents, and loss of life. Proper inspection, maintenance, and preparation for critical situations could have prevented many of these incidents, emphasizing the need for crew members to understand the environmental stresses their equipment can withstand.

Gard points out that large ships, including cruise ships, container ships, and ferries, are particularly at risk due to their exposure to wind. Recent changes to the SOLAS regulation introduce new requirements for mooring equipment maintenance and inspection, emphasizing the importance of thorough risk assessments by captains to prioritize safety in berthing decisions under adverse weather conditions.

Source .