Working Conditions Aboard the Maria-G

On January 30, 2025, the German Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BSU) published its comprehensive report detailing the allision involving the vessel 'Petra L', operating under the name 'Maria G'. The incident occurred on April 24, 2023, at 8:04 PM, as the ship was navigating through the Gode Wind 1 offshore wind farm, en route from Szczecin to Merksem, while attempting to access the Terschelling-German Bight traffic separation scheme (TSS). At the time of the accident, the 'Petra L' was traveling at approximately nine knots and sustained significant damage, with the bow being severely compromised and pushed inward on the starboard side, including breaches below the waterline which led to water ingress. Despite this, the vessel remained afloat and operational; hence, the master opted to proceed approximately 70 nautical miles back to Emden, where it arrived on April 25 at 8:40 AM. The incident was reported to the BSU shortly after noon on the day of the accident. Following this, two investigators examined the vessel and gathered information from those involved. BSU's findings indicate that the allision could have been averted had a proper lookout been consistently maintained, in accordance with the STCW Code's paragraphs 24.1 and 32. The accident transpired because the master, while on navigational watch, mistakenly ingested an incorrect dietary supplement due to chronic fatigue, which caused him to fall asleep. Furthermore, the onboard Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) failed to ensure the officer on watch was alert enough to detect potential dangers. At the time of the incident, only one chief mate was available to share watchkeeping duties with the master, resulting in insufficient manpower for adequate navigational vigilance aboard the 'Petra L'. The BSU made it clear that a single master and chief mate are inadequate for the safe operation of a vessel, particularly for those reliant solely on autopilot, radar (ARPA), AIS, and BNWAS for oversight. The report also flagged the existing 500-meter safety zone surrounding offshore installations as outdated, expressing concern over the need for longer reaction times for modern vessels. Additionally, the report highlighted the inefficiencies of the nearby Wilhelmshaven vessel traffic service (VTS) center, which struggled with managing an extensive area due to understaffing. The BSU pointed out that neither the VTS in Wilhelmshaven nor in Emden properly inquired about the sudden course change of the 'Petra L' prior to its arrival in Emden, which was only recognized upon entering the locks there. Compounding the situation, the wind farm operator noted that alarms in its Situational Operational Monitoring System (SOMS) were muted during the incident, as the alarms were viewed as disruptive, which the BSU criticized, emphasizing that even an average of six alarms per hour should not overwhelm monitoring personnel. In light of these findings, the BSU recommended several actions to the German Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV), urging a revision of Resolution A.1047(27) to ensure an adequate number of deck officers on board vessels using multi-shift systems and suggested the requirement of radar systems for maritime surveillance. The BSU also recommended the operator of the 'Petra L' to reassess its minimum safe manning documents to include at least two deck officers in addition to the master. Likewise, recommendations were made to the flag state, Antigua and Barbuda, to adjust existing manning documents in consideration of these findings. Furthermore, the BSU urged the General Directorate for Waterways and Shipping (GDWS) to ensure standby personnel are available in VTS centers and that wind farm operators conduct monitoring beyond the current safety zones to prevent similar incidents in the future. The full report is accessible for detailed review: https://safety4sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BSU-Collistion-of-vessel-with-wind-turbine-2025_01.pdf.

A recent maritime incident has sparked attention after a ship collided with a wind turbine off the northern coast of Germany. Reports indicate that the vessel suffered significant damage, including a massive hole in its hull. This unexpected encounter raises concerns about navigational safety in areas populated by renewable energy structures. Details of the collision have been covered extensively, providing insights into the circumstances surrounding the accident. For more information, you can read the full German report at NDR News: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/oldenburg_ostfriesland/Riesiges-Loch-im-Rumpf-Schiff-ist-mit-Windkraftanlage-kollidiert,schiff1390.html

In the early hours of July 24, 2016, maritime traffic on the Hunte was brought to a standstill due to an incident involving the cargo vessel 'Lisa D'. The ship encountered rough conditions and was navigating at reduced speed when it was caught by strong currents, subsequently turning sideways in the fairway amidst dense fog near the Hunte-Barrier. The vessel collided with two pilings and became immobilized, unable to continue under its own power. It wasn't until the tide shifted and the current changed that the ship's 63-year-old Lithuanian captain could regain control. 'Lisa D' then resumed its journey from Szczecin to Elsfleth under its own propulsion. For further details, you can view the German report with accompanying photos at this link: http://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/pm/119277/3386239.