Bulk-Ara

On March 11, 2018, during the departure from Dampier, Western Australia, under harbour pilot guidance, the 'Bulk India', actually sailing as 'Bulk Ara', suffered an electrical blackout resulting in loss of propulsion and steering control. As a result, the ship exited the channel and ran aground. The ship was recovered into the channel with the aid of tugs, before being taken out the channel, to anchor, for further investigation. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) in its report ehich was published on Sep 11, 2020, found that the electrical blackout occurred because the auxiliary diesel generator engines shut down after the cooling water temperature controller malfunctioned, resulting in overheated cooling water. The ship’s engineers did not immediately identify the problem and were unable to manually operate the cooling water temperature control valve in time to prevent the blackout. In addition the ATSB found that problems in the engine room started about 13 minutes before the blackout, however the two pilots on board were not informed of the situation. This removed the opportunity for the pilots to prepare for the loss of control, and delayed actions that may have assisted in a more timely or more effective response. Further, it was found that the 'Bulk India'’s emergency generator was not fit for service. When the blackout occurred, the engine started but shut down shortly after, due to overheating. The radiator fan belt had failed several months prior but had not been replaced. The vessel’s operator, Kowa Marine Service of Japan did not have in place adequate procedures to ensure that critical spares were identified and their inventory level maintained, to guarantee availability when required on board. The Kowa Marine Service has undertaken a fleetwide programme of continual improvement of its safety management and operating systems, and staff education and training processes. This included actions directed at identification, operation, maintenance and spare parts management relating to critical plant and machinery. Rio Tinto have revised escort towage arrangements for ships departing their facilities in Dampier on the basis of extensive simulation exercises and a review of existing risk assessments. As a result, attendance by a second tug remains in attendance with bulk carriers further along the channel. Furthermore, a comprehensive guidance manual for ship towage operations in Dampier and Port Walcott has been developed. In its report of the incident ATSB urged ship operators and crew members to ensure that systems, machinery and equipment, critical to the continued safe operation of the ship, are thoroughly understood, as well as appropriately maintained and tested. This will reduce the likelihood of an emergency situation relating to these items developing and provide a defence against adverse outcomes, should such a situation arise. Full report: https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/5778599/mo-2018-004_final.pdf

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