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Inaccurate cargo weights caused Osaka accident – MAIB

[ March 17, 2016   //   ]

Inaccurate cargo weight information were the main factor in the listing and grounding of the Hoegh Osaka pure car and truck carrier, said a Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report published on 17 March.

The report into the accident, which occurred on 3 January 2015, said that while a loading computer is an effective and useful tool for the safe running of a ship, “its output can only be as accurate as the information entered into it.” It was imperative that correct information is provided and that sufficient time is made available before departure for an accurate stability calculation to be completed.

The report added that witness and anecdotal evidence and the findings of other investigations, suggest that it is general practice in the car shipping industry to sail before an adccurate stability calculation has been made, however.

The Singapore registered PCTC was departing Southampton, UK, and turning to port around the Bramble Bank when the ship developed a significant starboard list. As the list increased above 40º, the ship lost steerage and propulsion, and subsequently drifted aground on Bramble Bank. A cargo shift as the ship listed resulted in a breach of the hull and consequent flooding. All crew were safely evacuated from the ship and surrounding waters, but there were injuries.

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