A recent marine casualty resulting in an injury of a crewmember onboard a foreign freight vessel brought to light a potentially dangerous situation involving the turntable pin on accommodation ladders. Currently, there are no established timelines or requirements to replace turntable pins. Without proper and periodic examination and replacement, corrosion can ultimately lead to structural failure.
Bureau Veritas has developed a formalized approach to support the safe carriage of containers in bulk carriers.
Unprecedented demand for the carriage of containers, exceeding the carriage supply in container ships has prompted charterers to explore the possibility of utilization of bulk carriers for that task. Bulk carriers, in general, are non-cellular vessels compared to container ships.
Carriage of containers in bulk carriers is possible but only after extensive planning, assessment and scrutiny. Operators must liaise with their insurance carriers, Class society of their vessel(s) and corresponding Flag Administration for advice and guidance on the necessary modifications and/or additions to satisfy relevant requirements.
However, the fact that bulk carriers are indeed “not specially designed and fitted for the purpose of carrying containers” combined with the potential need to maximize the intake of containers, creates issues of concern related to the integrity of the vessel’s structure and the cargo itself as well as the safety of the crew and the stevedores.
Incident investigations Identify human failure as the key cause of almost all accidents, creating the impression that people cause incidents. However, human error is not simply a feature of individual failure, but is caused by work-place factors, equipment, and task design, among others. Mistakes are typically due to conditions and systems that make work difficult.
In our effort to deliver value for our people and business in the occupational health environment and address the needs of Empire’s crewmembers on board the Vessels during this very topical period of Covid-19 pandemic, the Company has decided to offer and participate in the Initiative of crew onshore Vaccination. All our crew are eligible for vaccination, subject to their consent and willing. The Company has also ensured that a vaccine will be offered and at no cost to the seafarer.