Discover the Jacob-H: Ratings & Maritime News

The bulk carrier 'Jacob H', loaded with 52,000 tons of manganese, encountered unexpected trouble while docked in Gabon, running aground and necessitating the assistance of a private pilotage company. This organization specializes in providing guidance to vessels to navigate safely and efficiently. After the skilled pilot successfully refloated the vessel, a hefty bill estimated at one billion was presented to the ship's captain for the towing service. However, the manager of the 'Jacob H' deemed the charge excessively steep. In a controversial move, the captain decided to depart the port on the night of November 6, 2025, without settling the bill, breaching international maritime laws that require vessels to await authorization from the port of call for pilot assignment before leaving. Despite this, all necessary cargo declarations, permits, and customs formalities were satisfactorily completed. As a result, judicial investigations have been initiated to uncover the full circumstances behind this incident and to identify any potential accomplices in this unexpected maritime drama.

A new time charter has been successfully arranged for a vessel, with delivery scheduled in Kandla between October 6 and October 10, 2019. The charter will operate at an approximate daily rate of $14,250, facilitating a trip along the West Coast of India before its eventual redelivery in Bangladesh. The chartering process has been managed by CPC, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to meeting shipping needs in the region.

Union representatives have pointed towards fuel-related complications as a probable cause of the 2015 maritime collision involving the 'Conti Peridot' and the 'Carla Maersk', which resulted in a significant chemical spill in the Houston Ship Channel. A recent report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), addressing the incident from March 2015, emphasized the need for enhanced communication and bridge management among Houston's mariners. It was noted that heavy fog conditions contributed to the incident when the 'Conti Peridot' collided with the chemical tanker 'Carla Maersk'. In response to the report, union officials indicated that the accident likely stemmed from a switch to ultralow-sulphur fuel oil, which caused the 'Conti Peridot' to unexpectedly lose power just moments before the collision.

On June 7, 2016, the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a detailed report regarding the March 9, 2016, collision between the product tanker 'Carla Maersk' (IMO: 9456471) and the cargo vessel 'Conti Peridot' (IMO: 9456485) in the Houston Ship Channel. During a foggy day, 'Carla Maersk' was navigating out of the channel when it unexpectedly collided with 'Conti Peridot.' Fortunately, there were no injuries reported; however, both vessels sustained significant damage. The 'Carla Maersk' incurred damage to three of its tanks, resulting in a leak of approximately 88,200 gallons of the flammable substance MTBE, commonly used as a gasoline additive, into the canal. The investigation concluded that the incident was attributed entirely to the pilot of the 'Conti Peridot,' along with inadequate communication between him and the crew aboard the freighter. This report underscores the critical importance of effective pilotage and crew coordination in maritime operations. For detailed insights, refer to the NTSB report: [NTSB Report](http://www.ntsb.gov/news/events/Documents/2016_hsc_BMG_Abstract.pdf).