Press Release: UKクラブの事故の教訓：ビルジ･システムの逆流による貨物損傷

UKP&IクラブのSenior Loss Prevention Executiveであるデビッド・ニコルは、最近のバルク・キャリアの貨物損傷クレームから学んだ事故の教訓について考察しました。

"Prior to loading a full cargo of bulk minerals onto the vessel, the cargo holds were cleaned and tests for watertight integrity successfully carried out. In addition, the efficient operation of the cargo hold bilge pumping system and water ingress alarms was also verified. A few days after departure from the loading port, the water ingress alarm for no.2 cargo hold was activated.

"However, when the hold bilges were sounded by the crew, they appeared to be dry and it was therefore assumed that the ingress alarm system was defective. Daily hold bilge soundings continued to give no cause for concern. At the discharge port, wet cargo was revealed at a depth of up to 2 metres above the tank top and upon completion of discharge, it was discovered that sea water had entered the hold due to back-flow via the port side bilge well. The incident gave rise to a substantial cargo damage claim from Receivers.

"Subsequent examination and testing of the cargo hold bilge system revealed that the non-return valve in the port side bilge well was not tight, due to the presence of previous cargo residue and scale around the valve seat. The inspection and testing of cargo hold non-return valves was not included in pre-loading checks.

"It was also established that other valves in the system between the engine room fire and G.S. pumps and the bilge line had been left open by the engine room crew, allowing water to flow into the line and enter the hold by way of the defective non-return valve. Investigations also revealed that no.2 port bilge sounding pipe was blocked about 20cm from the bottom, explaining why the well appeared dry when sounded. Had the crew compared the maximum height of the pipe with the sounding tape measurement, this defect may have been noticed prior to flooding of the hold."

Lessons Learnt from this incident include:

• Inspection and testing of cargo hold bilge system non-return valves should preferably be included in routine pre-loading checks of the holds
• Bilge system valves and pipework require to be periodically checked and maintained as part of the planned maintenance system
• Rigorous procedures should be in place to prevent valves being left open when not in use
• Hold bilge sounding pipes should be positively proven to be unobstructed and comparisons made between the documented maximum pipe height and actual measurement at the deck datum point
• The activation of hold ingress alarms requires to be thoroughly investigated which in this case should have included checking all related systems and pumping of the bilges to observe for any discharge

ENDS

For further details, please contact:

Jonathan Atkins / Alastair Doyle / Helen Cotton

Four Broadgate

/ +44 (0) 20 3697 4200

The UK P&I Club is a leading provider of P&I insurance and other services to the international shipping community. Established in 1865 the UK P&I Club insures over 239 million tonnes of owned and chartered shipping through its international offices and claims network. 'A (Stable)' rated by Standard & Poor's with free reserves and hybrid capital of $558m, the UK P&I Club is renowned for its specialist skills and expertise which ensure 'best in class' underwriting, claims handling and loss prevention services.

The UK P&I Club is managed by Thomas Miller, an independent and international insurance, professional and investment services provider.

Thomas Miller is an independent and international provider of insurance, professional and investment services.

Founded in 1885, Thomas Miller's origins are in the provision of management services to mutual organisations, particularly in the international transport and professional indemnity sectors; where today they manage a large percentage of the foremost insurance mutuals. Thomas Miller also manages insurance facilities for all the self-employed barristers in England & Wales, as well as trustees of pension schemes, patent agents and housing associations.

Principal activities include:

• Management services for transport and professional indemnity insurance mutuals
• Investment management for institutions and private clients
• Professional services including legal services, claims and captive management
• Managing General Agency