Chemical carrier manager ASM Maritime will improve navigation procedures and retrain crews following accident investigator recommendations
This follows the investigation by the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) into the grounding of 11,939-gt chemical tanker Chem Alya on 25 October 2021 in southern England. The Liberia-registered tanker struck the Shingles Bank while transiting the Needles Channel near the Isle of Wight.
Chem Alya was heading from Fawley refinery in Southampton to Alexandria, Egypt laden with 13,213 tonnes of carbon black feedstock when the bridge team ignored IMO guidance not to use the Needles Channel.
The tanker hit the sandbank and was refloated later that evening from the bank with no injuries, pollution or damage to the vessel. A lifeboat was launched from Yarmouth and two harbour tugs, Scotsman and Yorkshireman, were sent to assist.
When MAIB investigated the accident it identified errors in the the 2009-built tanker’s voyage plan.
MAIB investigators discovered Chem Alya’s passage plan did not consider IMO Resolution A.768(18), which recommended against laden tankers of over 10,000 gt using the Needles Channel “due to tidal problems and apparent movement of the sand banks”.
Although the MAIB did recognise in its findings the Needles Channel was a challenging route, it said further warning information could also be found on the Admiralty chart for the area.
Investigators also found “Chem Alya’s bridge team did not work effectively together or make full use of the ship’s ECDIS during the transit.”
In response to an internal investigation into Chem Alya’s grounding, ASM Maritime has taken measures to improve the future safe operation of its vessels by prohibiting them from using the Needles Channel. ASM Maritime has also implemented procedures intended to improve navigational practices and has begun a programme of bridge team management refresher training for all deck officers.
The MAIB’s chief inspector has written to ASM Maritime advising the managers of the preliminary investigation findings and acknowledging the safety actions they are taking.
The chief inspector of marine accidents has also written to Associated British Ports, operator of Southampton port.
“While acknowledging that the Needles Channel lies outside its pilotage area, the chief inspector has nonetheless advised the harbour authority to review the information provided by its pilots and vessel traffic system operators to vessels intending to use the Needles Channel and, specifically, to draw their attention to the guidance in IMO Resolution A.768(18).”
Chem Alya has an overall length of 145 m and had a crew of 22 on board when it grounded on the bank in the Needles Channel.
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