Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Ever-Smart

In a significant legal victory, Evergreen Marine has successfully overturned a liability ruling stemming from the 2015 collision involving their containership 'Ever Smart' and the tanker 'Alexandra 1' (now dismantled as 'Bass'). This crucial case, the first of its kind to reach the UK Supreme Court concerning maritime collisions, saw the Taiwanese shipping giant initially deemed 80% at fault for the accident that took place off the coast of Jebel Ali. As a result of this latest ruling, the Admiralty Court is now tasked with reassessing the fault division in this incident. The Supreme Court's decision also underscored the importance of adhering to the 'crossing rules' as outlined in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) of 1972, which serve as fundamental guidelines for maritime navigation. Evergreen Marine had been contesting a previous 2020 Court of Appeal ruling that upheld the Admiralty Court's allocation of liability. The 'Ever Smart' sustained damages amounting to $4 million due to the collision, whereas the 'Alexandra 1' suffered extensive damage to its bow, compromised beneath the waterline, and faced repair costs exceeding $32 million after its condensate cargo was transhipped. Central to this case was the contention over whether the rules for navigating narrow channels took precedence over crossing rules, setting a pivotal precedent for future maritime collision cases.

On July 22, 2020, the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released an extensive report regarding a significant incident involving the container ship 'Ever Smart', which lost 42 containers overboard on October 30, 2017, while navigating between Taipei, Taiwan, and Los Angeles, USA. The vessel's captain adjusted the ship's route to circumvent severe weather conditions associated with an emerging depression east of Japan. During this passage, 'Ever Smart' was subjected to heavy seas, experiencing intense rolling and pitching, leading to severe bow flare slamming. When the weather improved, the crew found that the container stacks in the aft bay had collapsed, resulting in not only the loss of 42 containers but also damage to 34 additional units. Remarkably, the ship sustained only superficial damage. The MAIB report identified several critical safety concerns: 1. The incident of container losses likely transpired during a phase of extreme pitching and hull vibration in the early hours of October 30, 2017. 2. A multitude of factors contributed to the compromised integrity of the entire deck cargo bay, particularly pointing out that the containers were not properly stowed or secured per the cargo securing manual (CSM). 3. Proper securing of container lashings was not ensured. The document emphasized that most stow collapses usually initiate from the structural failure of a single container or inadequate lashing, whereby the collapse triggers a domino effect, toppling adjacent stacks and leading to further failures until the outer stack is reached, resulting in containers lost at sea. The report also highlighted the risks posed when container weights exceed limits set by the CSM, increasing the likelihood of lashing failures and potential damage from compression or racking in lower stowage tiers. To enhance safety standards, the MAIB made three key recommendations (Nos 2020/125, 2020/126, and 2020/127) directed towards Evergreen Marine Corp. (Taiwan) Ltd. These included improving the quality of ashore stowage plans, increasing awareness about the dangers of bow flare slamming, and enhancing maintenance management for lashing gear. Furthermore, ship masters were advised of the heightened risk of cargo damage due to hull slamming and stern shuddering in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the report called for a structured inspection program for lashing equipment during non-operational periods and the necessity for shore planners to receive comprehensive training on ship loading software, ensuring they grasp the critical importance of verifying permissible limits for both containers and lashing systems. For those interested in detailed findings, the full report can be accessed here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f15a2993a6f405c0f80ac37/2020-14-EverSmart-withAnnexes.pdf

On November 8 at 10 p.m., the container ship 'Ever Smart' docked at the Seaside Container Terminal in Los Angeles, showing noticeable damage to a bay of containers located at her stern. This incident follows an unfortunate event on October 30, when the vessel lost 42 containers overboard while navigating through the challenging conditions of the Sea of Japan. In addition to the containers lost, several stacks were seen toppled to port, causing some boxes on the port side to be crushed beneath the weight of the collapsed cargo. Following the necessary removal of the shifted containers, the 'Ever Smart' is scheduled to depart Los Angeles at 3 a.m. on November 13, bound for Tacoma with an estimated arrival date of November 16. For visuals, see the accompanying photo at http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2766771.