Collision Chaos: The Adam-Lng's Fortunate Fate Following a Troubling Incident

On August 29, 2022, a significant maritime incident unfolded near the shores of Gibraltar when the bunker ship Adam-Lng was involved in a collision with another vessel, the 'OS 35', leading to a critical investigation into the events that transpired. The 'OS 35' was attempting to weigh anchor when it mistakenly collided with the 'Adam-Lng', marking a crucial moment that necessitated extensive review by local authorities. Following the collision, the Government of Gibraltar released a detailed report on February 4, 2025, outlining the findings of the marine accident investigation. It noted that the master of the 'OS 35' failed to adequately monitor the vessel's departure maneuver and misjudged the effects of tidal flow and wind. Although the Gibraltar Port Authority’s Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) monitored the situation and provided critical guidance, it ultimately did not prevent the collision. The 'OS 35' began to take on water and was subsequently directed to ground off Catalan Bay to prevent further sinking. While the 'OS 35' suffered significant damage—specifically a gash measuring approximately ten by four meters on its starboard side—the Adam-Lng emerged from the incident relatively unscathed. A specialized team confirmed that the LNG tanker sustained only superficial damage to its bulbous bow, with no injuries reported among its crew and no significant risk of water ingress. In the aftermath of the collision, the 'Adam-Lng' was cleared for departure from Gibraltar as of August 31, 2022. It remained anchored at its designated position for a brief period before resuming its journey, demonstrating resilience despite the incident’s alarming dynamics. Meanwhile, the focus shifted towards ensuring maritime safety standards, with the investigation report recommending improved training for bridge teams, clearer protocols from VTS, and consideration of mandatory pilotage for vessels departing from high-risk areas. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the complex interplay between human error, environmental conditions, and maritime protocols that govern vessel operations. As the maritime community continues to analyze the findings and recommendations of this report, the lessons learned will play a vital role in shaping future standards and practices to enhance safety at sea.