On 10 Mar 2005, a vessel bunkered marine diesel fuel (MDO) at an Indian port. The fuel was delivered by the supplier using trucks and the crew noticed an unusual odor at the time of bunkering. Two hours after the ship's auxiliary engines [B&W] started consuming the said MDO, RPM indicated a continuous decline. The other two auxiliary engines onboard also met with the same fate and there was a total power failure onboard. The crew had to replace the fuel manually, using drums as the ship was drifting without power. They suffered skin irritation and the fuel pumps also suffered extensive damage. Detailed analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed that the distillate fraction of the samples was contaminated with Dimethyl Sulfide, 3-Chloropropanenitrile and 2-propanol. The incidence resulted in voyage failure, health hazard and damage to equipment onboard. The bunker bulletin of DNV Petroleum Services, Rotterdam on the matter, reproduced by the DG Shipping India may be referred by interested mariners for a perusal of lessons learned.

Posted On:18-Aug-2005

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A handy size bulk carrier registered with Panama Register of Shipping with Sugar as cargo ran aground in the approaches of an Indian port, while the vessel was approaching the pilot boarding ground, with the pilot launch alongside in the process of providing pilot to the vessel. The vessel had good headway and both Master and pilot were engaged on the issue of rigging manropes, perhaps, forgetting the main issue of safety of navigation in restricted waters. She was drawing draft of 10.3 Meters and ran aground in 10 Meters depth and was re-floated with the support of port tugs on the next day.
The investigating agency considered the attributes leading to this marine casualty and based on its findings, the Nautical Adviser to the Govt of India enumerated few guidelines for strict compliance of the concerned authorities, with a view to avoid similar lapses in the future. Interested seafarers may read these guidelines.

Posted On:28-Jul-2005

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