Maersk-Garonne

A preliminary report into the grounding of the "Maersk Garpmme" on Feb 28 off Freemantle has found that the ship’s bridge crew was not actively engaged with the pilotage and mostly unaware of the pilotage plan. The preliminary findings were released on May 21 by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau as part of its ongoing investigation into the incident. The "Maersk Garonne" was under Fremantle marine pilot guidance on its entry to the Port of Fremantle when, at 04.41 a.m., the pilot ordered port helm to bring the ship around to enter the port’s Inner Harbour entrance channel. During the turning maneuver, attempts to delay the ship’s arrival at the entrance beacons led to the ship passing south of the channel. The ship grounded at 04.48 a.m. on a sand bank to the south of channel beacons number 1 and number 2. The ship was later refloated at 0824 and taken to anchor where an inspection of the ship found no damage. The ATSB said that based on preliminary information provided during its investigation, it was apparent that the ship’s bridge crew had not been directly and actively engaged with the pilotage as it progressed, and were broadly unaware of the pilotage plan. Procedures had not been enacted and actions not taken to ensure the full bridge resources available to the pilot and master were utilized. The investigation was ongoing and continued to focus on pilotage procedures, planning and practices, information exchange and contingency planning for Fremantle pilotage; the existence, relevance, understanding and implementation of procedures by the pilotage company, port and ship to reduce the risk of grounding; bridge team dynamics, resource management and personnel engagement during pilotage; the implementation and effectiveness of bridge resource management training. Full report: http://www.atsb.gov.au/media/5302244/MO-2015-002-PRELIMINARY.pdf

The 62,000-tonne Denmark-registered container ship Maersk Garonne became stuck on Feb. 28 in soft sand about 500m off South Mole, a port spokeswoman confirmed. The 292m-long vessel was pulled free by tug boats about 8.30am. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority will assess the incident. No-one was hurt and there was no damage to the vessel, which was built in 2003. http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/ship-refloated-at-fremantle-port-after-it-ran-aground/story-fnhocxo3-1227242631713