The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released a report detailing an incident from May 2023 in which a box ship collided with a navigational beacon while departing the Port of Melbourne.
The investigation revealed that the collision by the CMA CGM Puccini was primarily due to ambiguous operational procedures and a lack of understanding among the crew regarding the steering gear operations of the 6 300 TEU vessel.
The ATSB found that a hydraulic bypass valve, which had been incorrectly set, had led to erratic rudder responses.
This issue arose after a routine inspection by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), during which the valve was inadvertently left open.
Consequently, when the vessel increased speed, it lost steering control and veered off course, striking the beacon at a speed of approximately 7.7 knots (1.8km+ p/h). Fortunately, the ship sustained only minor damage but the beacon was significantly harmed.
In response, CMA CGM has committed to revising its fleetwide steering procedures.
The French line’s existing terminology – referring to "steering gear failure" – will be updated to "emergency steering procedure" to enhance clarity and reduce confusion among crew members.
This change aims to ensure that all personnel are adequately trained and understand critical steering operations, thereby preventing similar occurrences in the future.
The ATSB's findings underscore a broader issue within maritime operations: the necessity for clear communication and comprehensive training regarding equipment handling. The report indicated that several officers on board lacked sufficient proficiency in steering gear operations, a requirement under international regulations.
Furthermore, Ports Victoria has revised its harbourmaster's directions to improve towage requirements and provide guidance for vessels experiencing steering or engine failures while navigating port waters.
These measures reflect an industry-wide recognition of the importance of operational clarity and crew competency in enhancing maritime safety.
CMA CGM’s progressive response served as a crucial reminder for all shipping companies within the logistics and supply chain sector to prioritise clear procedural documentation and robust training programmes for their crews, said an industry statement, following response to the ATSB report.
