Collision Between Bulk Carrier & LNG Tanker Reveals Critical Need For Mandatory Pilotage

The Gibraltar Maritime Administration has released the official accident investigation report into the collision and loss of the geared bulk carrier OS 35, a 20,947 GT vessel registered in Tuvalu.

The accident occurred on August 29, 2022, as the OS 35 was departing the Bay of Gibraltar anchorage and collided with the LNG carrier Adam LNG.

The collision caused major damage to the OS 35, which eventually led to its controlled beaching east of Gibraltar, where it was dismantled.

The OS 35, loaded with steel rebar, was manoeuvring out of the Western Anchorage after completing bunkering operations. As it moved astern, the vessel’s bow swung to starboard, and the speed astern increased to 3 knots due to the tidal flow and wind.

The ship’s master became concerned that the OS 35 was drifting towards the anchored Adam LNG. Misinterpreting the vessel’s drift conditions, the master ordered the engine to full ahead and the rudder hard to port in an attempt to avoid a collision.

However, this manoeuvre resulted in the OS 35’s starboard side colliding with the bulbous bow of the Adam LNG at a speed of 3 knots.

The collision caused a breach in holds 2 and 3 of the OS 35, which quickly flooded with water, and eventually reached hold 1. On the other hand, Adam LNG sustained minor steel damage to its bulbous bow.

After the collision, the Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) directed the OS 35 to ground to the east of Gibraltar, preventing it from sinking…

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