Two Vessels Make Contact in Gibraltar Anchorage, Renewing Safety Concerns
Two vessels made contact in the Gibraltar anchorage early on Tuesday in circumstances similar to the 2022 incident that led to the loss of the cargo ship OS 35. While the government reported the damage as minor, questions about the use of pilots resurfaced, echoing the recommendations in the OS 35 report that emphasized the role of pilots in preventing such incidents.
In the early hours of Tuesday, March 18, the Panama-flagged LNG carrier SM Kestrel was preparing to depart from the Western Anchorage. The vessel, part of the new Korea Line LNG subsidiary launched by SM Line, is 114,000 dwt and measures 984 feet (300 meters) in length.
A spokesperson for the Gibraltar government confirmed that the LNG carrier had a “contact” with another vessel but assured no injuries or significant damages occurred. Both vessels were instructed to remain in the anchorage for inspection by class, flag, and port inspectors.
The SM Kestrel collided with the Panama-flagged Diamond Star II (57,700 dwt), which was anchored in the Western Anchorage. This incident occurred in a bustling part of Gibraltar Bay, prompting calls from the Environmental Safety Group for the government to expedite the implementation of safety recommendations following the OS 35 tragedy.
The OS 35 incident in August 2022 involved a cargo ship encountering difficulties while departing the Western Anchorage. The vessel struck another ship, leading to its total loss. The subsequent report recommended compulsory pilotage for vessels departing the anchorage, as well as the involvement of the VTS to advise on departure plans.
Government officials are now contemplating various measures, including the possibility of compulsory pilotage and conducting independent navigation risk assessments. With Gibraltar’s strategic location at the Mediterranean entrance, ensuring safe navigation is crucial due to the high volume of vessel traffic passing through the region.
Approximately 60,000 vessels transit the Strait of Gibraltar annually, with around 240 million gross tonnes of vessel calls per year at Gibraltar and its anchorages, making it a vital port for many vessels requiring bunkering services and supplies.
Photo by Ymblanter – CC BY-SA 4.0