Enhancing Maritime Safety in the Strait of Gibraltar: Lessons from the OS 35 and Adam LNG Collision

The collision between the bulk carrier OS 35 and the LNG carrier Adam LNG in the Strait of Gibraltar on August 29, 2022, highlighted significant safety concerns, particularly regarding the mandatory use of pilots for vessels departing from Gibraltar’s Western Anchorage. This incident resulted in severe hull damage to the OS 35 and extensive environmental damage. The vessel was subsequently beached off Catalan Bay and remained there for nearly a year before being removed. This article delves into the key findings of the investigation, the navigational errors that led to the collision, and the recommendations for improving maritime safety in the region.

Investigation Findings

The collision between OS 35 and Adam LNG in the Strait of Gibraltar highlighted several critical navigational errors and misjudgments that contributed to the accident. These errors underscore the importance of robust training, equipment reliability, and vigilant crew oversight in maritime safety.

Navigational Errors and Misjudgments

The master of OS 35 made a critical error in judgment by misinterpreting the vessel’s drift conditions. Despite Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) data indicating that the vessel would have safely cleared the anchored Adam LNG, the master’s perception of an imminent collision led to an emergency maneuver. This maneuver, intended to avoid the collision, ironically caused the very accident it aimed to prevent. This incident underscores the complex interplay between technological data and human perception in maritime navigation. The master’s decision was influenced by a combination of factors, including misjudgment of the vessel’s drift and overconfidence in the ECDIS data, which led to a hasty and incorrect decision J Sánchez-Beaskoetxea.

Mandatory Pilotage for Departing Vessels

While pilotage is mandatory for vessels entering Gibraltar’s port and anchorage, it remains optional for departing vessels. This policy gap has drawn scrutiny, as the report indicates that no significant collisions involving piloted vessels have required formal investigation over the past 15 years, despite approximately 8,700 pilotage operations occurring annually. The lack of mandatory pilotage for departing vessels raises questions about the adequacy of current safety measures and the potential for improved safety protocols. The absence of formal investigations for collisions involving piloted vessels suggests that the current system may not be effectively addressing navigational risks. This policy gap highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to maritime safety, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Strait of Gibraltar. The mandatory use of pilots for departing vessels could significantly enhance safety by ensuring that vessels are navigated by experienced professionals who are familiar with the local waters and traffic patterns IMO.

VTS Monitoring and Response

The Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) plays a crucial role in maritime safety by monitoring and managing vessel traffic in specific waterways. Established by maritime authorities, VTS is analogous to air traffic control for aircraft, providing real-time monitoring, navigational advice, and communication with vessels to ensure safety and efficiency. VTS systems use various tools such as radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), and satellite technology to track vessel movements and provide timely information to vessel masters and other stakeholders.

Insufficient Pre-Collision Monitoring by VTS

The investigation into the collision between the OS 35 and the Adam LNG highlighted significant deficiencies in the VTS team’s pre-collision monitoring. Despite being a critical component of maritime safety, the VTS system failed to effectively prevent the accident. The report revealed several key issues:

1. Lack of Effective Monitoring: The VTS team did not monitor the manoeuvre of the OS 35 closely enough. The master of the OS 35 reported that the tanker was drifting due to tidal flow and wind, leading to a full-ahead engine setting that resulted in the collision. The VTS officer, however, did not advise the OS 35 to manoeuvre to the west from the Western Anchorage before heading south into the Gibraltar Strait, as was standard practice.
2. Delayed Intervention: The VTS was not aware of the change in the OS 35’s intended manoeuvre until it was too late to prevent the collision. This delay rendered their intervention ineffective, underscoring the importance of real-time monitoring and immediate response.
3. Communication Gaps: There were communication gaps between the VTS and the OS 35. The master initially reported no contact to the VTS, even though a collision had occurred. This miscommunication further compromised the VTS’s ability to provide timely advice and warnings.
4. Lack of Pilotage Advice: Although pilotage is not compulsory for vessels leaving the Rock, the report suggested that if a pilot had been on board, the collision would have been prevented. The VTS should have provided clear information to masters on the availability of pilots from the Western Anchorage to enhance safety.

These shortcomings in pre-collision monitoring underscore the need for enhanced monitoring and communication protocols within the VTS system. The VTS team must be better equipped to track vessel movements, provide real-time advice, and communicate effectively with vessel masters to prevent such accidents.

Effective Post-Collision Response by VTS

While the VTS team’s post-collision response was commended for their quick decision-making, their pre-collision monitoring proved insufficient to prevent the accident. The VTS team’s actions in directing the OS 35 to ground in shallower waters, preventing a potentially worse outcome, highlight the importance of effective post-collision response. However, the overall safety of vessels in the Strait of Gibraltar depends on both pre-collision monitoring and timely post-collision intervention.

The VTS team’s response included:

1. Quick Decision-Making: The VTS team quickly decided to direct the OS 35 to ground in shallower waters, which prevented a more severe outcome. This quick response is a testament to the VTS team’s readiness and professionalism.
2. Grounding the Vessel: The VTS directed the OS 35 to BGTW (Buoyed Grounding Towing Way) and then to ground to the East of Gibraltar. This sequence of actions ensured that the vessel was safely grounded and could be towed to a secure location.
3. Communication with Stakeholders: The VTS team communicated effectively with the Port Authority and other stakeholders to coordinate the salvage and containment operations. This communication is crucial for ensuring a coordinated and efficient response to maritime incidents.

The post-collision response by the VTS team demonstrates their ability to act quickly and effectively in crisis situations. However, the overall safety of vessels in the Strait of Gibraltar requires continuous improvement in both pre-collision monitoring and post-collision response. The investigation into the OS 35 and Adam LNG collision has identified several areas for enhancement, including better monitoring, real-time communication, and the provision of pilotage advice IMO.

Recommendations

Mandatory pilotage for departing vessels is a critical measure that could significantly enhance maritime safety, particularly in complex and hazardous areas such as the Strait of Gibraltar. This chapter explores the rationale, implementation, and potential challenges of mandating pilotage for vessels departing from key anchorage points.

Rationale for Mandatory Pilotage

The Strait of Gibraltar is renowned for its challenging navigational conditions, including strong currents, limited visibility, and the presence of numerous vessels. These factors increase the risk of collisions and groundings, as evidenced by the collision between OS 35 and Adam LNG. Mandatory pilotage can mitigate these risks by ensuring that departing vessels are guided by experienced mariners who are familiar with the local waters and can navigate safely through hazardous areas.

Pilotage services provide essential navigation assistance, especially for vessels that may not have the necessary expertise or equipment to navigate independently. By mandating pilotage, maritime authorities can ensure that all departing vessels receive the guidance needed to avoid collisions and other navigational hazards. This measure is particularly important in areas with complex coastal geometries and strong tidal currents, where the risk of accidents is higher.

Implementation of Mandatory Pilotage

The implementation of mandatory pilotage involves several key steps, including regulatory changes, training programs for pilots, and communication strategies to inform vessel masters about the availability of pilotage services. Governments and maritime authorities play a crucial role in organizing and regulating pilotage services, defining the types of vessels and areas where pilotage is mandatory.

In many jurisdictions, pilotage is already mandatory for certain types of vessels and in specific areas. For example, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recommends that pilotage be mandatory in areas where it is likely to prove more effective than other measures. This includes waters with narrow channels, strong currents, and limited visibility, which are common characteristics of the Strait of Gibraltar IMO.

The implementation of mandatory pilotage also requires robust communication strategies to ensure that vessel masters are aware of the requirements and the availability of pilotage services. Clear guidelines and regular updates can help masters make informed decisions about whether to use pilotage services for their departures. Additionally, training programs for pilots and bridge teams can enhance the effectiveness of pilotage services, ensuring that both pilots and vessel masters are well-prepared to handle complex navigational situations.

Potential Challenges

While mandatory pilotage offers significant safety benefits, it also presents several challenges that must be addressed to ensure its successful implementation. One of the primary challenges is the additional cost associated with pilotage services. Vessel operators may face increased expenses, which could impact their operational budgets and profitability. To mitigate this challenge, maritime authorities can explore cost-sharing mechanisms or subsidies to support vessel operators in utilizing pilotage services.

Another challenge is the potential disruption to vessel schedules and operations. Mandatory pilotage may require additional time for boarding and disembarking pilots, which could delay departures. Maritime authorities can address this challenge by optimizing pilotage procedures and ensuring efficient communication between pilots and vessel masters to minimize delays.

Conclusion

Mandatory pilotage for departing vessels is a critical measure for enhancing maritime safety in the Strait of Gibraltar. By ensuring that all departing vessels receive navigation assistance from experienced pilots, mandatory pilotage can help prevent collisions and groundings, thereby protecting both vessels and the environment. While there are challenges associated with implementing mandatory pilotage, such as additional costs and potential disruptions to vessel schedules, these can be addressed through strategic regulatory measures and communication strategies. As maritime authorities continue to prioritize safety, mandatory pilotage should be considered a key component of their efforts to improve navigational practices and reduce the risk of accidents in the Strait of Gibraltar.

The collision of OS 35 and Adam LNG underscores the critical need for regulatory changes to enhance maritime safety in the Strait of Gibraltar. The investigation revealed that mandatory pilotage for departing vessels, enhanced bridge team training, improved VTS procedures, and better communication about pilotage options are essential steps towards preventing similar incidents. By addressing these recommendations, maritime authorities can significantly reduce the risk of collisions and ensure the safety of all vessels transiting the Strait of Gibraltar.

Sources

• IMO – Pilotage
• IMO – Vessel Traffic Services
• ScienceDirect – J Sánchez-Beaskoetxea