23 Sep 2019 / Pilbara, Australia
Pilbara Port Authority has advised that new requirements for Capesize vessels deck fittings will come into effect on 1 February 2021.
As a result of ongoing risk management strategies, the port has seen a significant increase in the towage fleet capability specifically relating to executing indirect towage techniques on Capesize vessels manoeuvring in the harbour or shipping channel. The Port Authority has been collecting data on Capesize vessels bitts and Panama / roller leads to further understand the profile of the deck fittings across the Capesize fleet calling the port. It has also reviewed multiple significant incidents involving the failure/near failure of ships’ deck fittings when used for towing purposes.
Approximately 50% of Capesize vessels have bitts and leads assigned for towage operations which are not capable of being used by the port’s current tug fleet in an emergency which may require maximum tug power to be used.
The Port Authority wishes to work with ship operators to further complement the capability of the current tug fleet and align with the port’s risk mitigation strategies. To achieve this, all Capesize vessels (vessel deadweight 120,000 or more) must have at least one set of bitts and Panama leads / roller fairleads on the vessel’s aft deck at or near the centreline to be rated to a minimum of 120 T safe working load (SWL). The bitts and leads being considered in this instance should be able to be used together for safe towage operations.
Due consideration has been given to the nature of the structural modifications required to the vessel’s bitts and leads and possible timeframes associated with undertaking this upgrade.
The requirement for Capesize vessels calling the Port to have a set of 120 T SWL bitts and leads will come into force on 1 February 2021. This should allow adequate time for the necessary modifications to be made during the vessel’s next scheduled dry dock or other opportune time.
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