Steering Micro Switch Failure Led to Houston Collision
A steering control system component failure on a multi-purpose carrier resulted in a collision with a bulk carrier in the Houston Ship Channel, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a newly-released investigation report.The multi-purpose carrier BBC Africa lost steering as it was departing the channel on Aug. 25, 2023, and struck the moored bulk carrier Common Faith. No injuries or pollution were reported. Damage to the vessels was estimated at $1.1 million.The crew told investigators they did not find any issues with the steering control systems during the pre-departure tests.
Misunderstanding of Hydraulics and Guidance Contributed to Steering Failure
Container ship operator CMA CGM is revising steering guidance across its fleet after ambiguous procedures contributed to one of its ships colliding with a navigational beacon in the Yarra River, Victoria, Australia, an ATSB investigation report notes.Departing the Port of Melbourne on 25 May 2023 under the conduct of a harbor pilot, container ship CMA CGM Puccini contacted the navigational beacon after swinging wide in a turn when its rudder began responding erratically to helm orders.The ship was slowed and returned towards the middle of the channel…
Pitch Lever Mismatch Led to Collision
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its investigation report into the collision between the Kirkella and Shovette on June 24, 2022.While alongside at King George Dock, Hull, England, the crew of the UK registered fishing vessel Kirkella lost control of its propulsion system, and the vessel collided with the unmanned tug Shovette, which was moored ahead of Kirkella.During the collision Shovette’s hull and starboard fuel tank were breached by Kirkella’s bulbous bow.
DMC Chosen for SunStone’s Fifth Infinity-Class Vessel
Damen Marine Components (DMC) received acontract to supply the rudders and steering gear for the fifth Infinity-class vessel to be built for SunStone Ships by China Merchants Heavy Industries to an Ulstein design. The contract was awarded by Brunvoll Volda, with whom DMC is working on this ongoing series.DMC will supply two Van der Velden ATLANTIC rudders and two Van der Velden COMMANDER rotary vane steering gear systems. The ATLANTIC is a full-spade rudder with a surface area of eight square meters and steering gear torque of 110 kNm.
