Press Release: UK P&I Club releases 'Ask an Expert' video on the dangers of crane wire failures

Press release

27 May 2021

The UK P&I Club has released the latest video in its online ‘Ask an Expert’ series, discussing the dangers and implications of crane wire failure for shipowners, charterers and crew members.

Featuring Anuj Velankar, Senior Loss Prevention Advisor at the UK P&I Club and Kim Chua, Chartered Engineer and Metallurgist at Brookes Bell, the video outlines the following topics:

• • Examples of crane wire failures
• • Post-incident inspection
• • Testing
• • Reference documents for maintenance requirements and discard criteria

Kim highlights the types of crane wire rope failures, such as dangling wires with frayed ends. She emphasises the importance of inspection and testing as neglect can potentially lead to loss of life and there have been many cases that have resulted in damage to equipment, ship structures and loss of cargoes.

Brookes Bell’s metallurgist Kim Chua urges crew to take plenty of photos during or immediately after an incident, and to carry out necessary sampling of the failed wire prior to a more definitive conclusion. It’s also integral to take a look at the reference documents available for maintenance requirements and discard criteria. There you can find information on how to maintain the wire rope to ensure its durability during its service life and the discard criteria helps assess the condition of the wire ropes to determine when the wire rope should be replaced.

Stuart Edmonston, Loss Prevention Director at UK P&I Club says: “This latest ‘Ask an Expert’ highlights the fact that we are only as good as our evidence. Kim Chua of Brookes Bell clearly articulates the need to consider the history of the wires, the requirement for up-to-date maintenance records, plenty of photographic documentation at the time of the incident and a thorough post-incident inspection. By taking these necessary steps, disputes from owners claiming damage during operation or charterers alleging material fault have a better chance of being more easily resolved.”

The ‘Ask an Expert’ video series provides specialist analysis and insight on a range of specific topics from leading figures in the marine sector. Informative and concise in their 30-minute format, the videos are designed to give the audience a broad understanding of an issue in an optimised timeframe.

The ‘Ask an Expert’ video on crane wire failures can be viewed at the UK Club Vimeo page. 

- Ends -

For further details, please contact:

Jon Atkins/ Alastair Doyle - Four Communications

UKP&I@fourcommunications.com / +44 (0) 20 3697 4200

Notes to Editors

The UK P&I Club is a leading provider of P&I insurance and other services to the international shipping community. The UK P&I Club insures over 255 million tonnes of owned and chartered shipping through its international offices and claims network. ‘A’ rated by Standard & Poor’s. 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.

www.ukpandi.com

About Thomas Miller

Thomas Miller is an international provider of market leading insurance 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. Increasingly Thomas Miller applies its knowledge and expertise to the development of specialist businesses.

Principal activities include:

Management services for transport and professional indemnity insurance mutuals

Managing general agency

Professional services including legal services, claims and captive management

www.thomasmiller.com

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