Adam-Lng Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On February 4, 2025, the Government of Gibraltar unveiled its comprehensive report regarding the investigation into the unfortunate collision and sinking of the 'OS 35' that occurred on August 29, 2022. The incident took place while the 'OS 35' was anchored off Camp Bay, taking bunker fuel. As the vessel prepared to depart, the captain attempted to maneuver astern but quickly became alarmed by drifting caused by tidal currents and wind conditions. Despite a pivot in strategy, the 'OS 35' struck the LNG tanker 'Adam LNG' before it began taking on water, ultimately being ordered to ground near Catalan Bay to prevent further disaster. This investigation was carried out following the Gibraltar Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2012, with a mission to enhance maritime safety and avert similar incidents. Within the 37-page report, the Office of the Marine Accident Investigation Compliance Officer, part of the Ministry for Business, Tourism and the Port, identified critical findings and proposed safety improvements. The inquiry revealed that the captain and bridge team of the 'OS 35' failed to adequately oversee the departure maneuver and misinterpreted the influences of tidal and wind effects. While the Gibraltar Port Authority's Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) monitored the situation, their interventions did not change the course of action taken by the master or prevent the crash. In the aftermath of the collision, the VTS instructed the 'OS 35' to navigate to shallower waters to avoid sinking. Investigators recommended that the operator of the 'OS 35' reassess bridge team training and protocols for vessel arrivals and departures without a pilot present. Additionally, it was advised that the GPA should ensure VTS provides explicit guidance to ships before granting departure from the Western Anchorage. The report also suggested contemplating mandatory pilotage for vessels leaving this location, with Gibraltar Pilots urged to clearly communicate pilot availability, even if not mandated. The departure from the Western Anchorage, under light winds and minimal tidal forces, is generally regarded as a straightforward maneuver, monitored by VTS. Experts deemed it unlikely that actions from VTS or the 'Adam LNG' could have mitigated the collision. Had a pilot been on board the 'OS 35', the captain likely would not have chosen the astern maneuver given the circumstances. The report noted that initiating a turn to port while lifting the anchor could have allowed the vessel to navigate effectively westward, maintaining better control than the attempted astern maneuver, which presented significant challenges in oversight.

The liquefied natural gas tanker 'Adam LNG' has received the green light to set sail after authorities confirmed that the vessel sustained no damage that would impede its ability to continue on its journey. This decision comes after the crew submitted all necessary statements for the ongoing investigation concerning a recent collision, as mandated by the Captain of the Port. As of September 1, the 'Adam LNG' was anchored at coordinates 36° 06.42' N and 005° 21.33' W, following its clearance on August 31. For a glimpse of the vessel, visit the official photo link: https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3465843?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1.

On the morning of August 30, a dedicated team of divers conducted a thorough inspection of the 'OS 35', revealing that the vessel's bulbous bow is submerged 1.2 meters into the sandy seabed. This incident occurred when the 'OS 35' accidentally struck the 'Adam LNG' while maneuvering out of the Bay on the East Side of the Rock. While the ship sustained notable damage—particularly a significant gash amidships on the starboard side measuring approximately 10 meters by 4 meters—the crew of 24 is safe and unharmed, remaining onboard with the generator still operational. The Port Authority took immediate action, directing the vessel to the East Side to minimize risks to both the ship and its crew. Currently, the bow is resting at a depth of 17 meters, listing three degrees to starboard, roughly 200 meters off Catalan Bay, with the main deck partially submerged. Although the Captain has requested the crew stay onboard, evacuation plans are in place should the situation worsen. In response to potential environmental concerns, tugs have been dispatched, and around 400 meters of containment booms are prepped for deployment to manage any possible oil spill. The Port Authority is actively monitoring the situation, and the Contingency Council has convened with regular updates being provided to the Governor, Chief Minister, and Minister for the Port from the Captain of the Port. Fortunately, divers and an internal assessment have confirmed that the 'OS 35' has not suffered significant damage beyond a minor dent to the bulbous bow, and reports indicate there have been no injuries or water ingress. A specialized team of marine salvors from the Netherlands is expected to arrive in Gibraltar later today for a comprehensive on-site evaluation. Weather forecasts predict favorable conditions in the days ahead, which should facilitate ongoing operations. The Port of Algeciras is collaborating closely with the Gibraltar Port Authority, with both the tug 'Luz de Mar' and the SAR vessel 'Salvamar Denebola' stationed at the scene. Furthermore, a Salvamento Maritimo helicopter has been authorized for an aerial survey of the 'OS 35'. After a temporary suspension of all port operations for about four hours, the Port has reopened to commercial activities. A notice to mariners is in effect, instituting a 200-meter exclusion zone around the 'OS 35', which will remain until further notice.