CMA CGM is revising its steering guidance across the fleet after ambiguous procedures contributed to one of its ships colliding with a navigational beacon in the Yarra River, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
Departing the Port of Melbourne on 25 May 2023 under the conduct of a harbour pilot, containership CMA CGM Puccini contacted the navigational beacon after swinging wide in a turn when its rudder began responding erratically to helm orders. The ship was slowed and returned towards the middle of the channel, before being stabilised with tug assistance and then conducted to nearby Webb Dock. While the ship sustained minor hull paint damage, the beacon was significantly damaged.
The ATSB investigation concluded that the erratic steering was the result of a hydraulic bypass valve being left open by crew after an AMSA port state control inspection the day before the incident. Furthermore, the investigation identified the risk of this happening was heightened by ambiguous language in CMA CGMs fleetwide safety management system steering gear procedures. Specifically, the procedures only referred to steering gear failure, instead of using common industry terms, such as emergency steering and local steering. In addition, terminology within the guidance was not clearly and explicitly defined.
As a result of the investigation, CMA CGM has advised the ATSB that its fleetwide steering gear failure procedure will be amended and titled the emergency steering procedure, and improved for clarity.
Angus Mitchell, Chief Commissioner, welcomed the safety action, noting it had the potential to prevent serious incidents and accidents not only in Australian ports, but overseas.
“Any loss of steering can imperil the safety of the ship, and life at sea. Unclear or ambiguous operating instructions and terminology should be corrected as soon as they are identified,” said Angus Mitchell.
The investigation also found that several officers on board were not as proficient with steering gear operation and change of control modes as was required by international regulations.
“This incident highlights to seafarers and shore management the importance of ensuring shipboard personnel understand and are competent in how the ships steering machinery and control systems operate,” Mitchell pointed out.
