Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Oocl-Brisbane

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation has revealed critical insights following two alarming breakaway incidents involving container vessels at the Port of Brisbane. These events, which transpired after record-breaking rainfall caused significant freshwater inundation in the Brisbane River, underscored the imperative for enhanced emergency and risk management protocols. The incidents, occurring on May 16 and May 22, 2022, involved the container ship 'OOCL Brisbane' breaking free from berth 10 at Fisherman Islands, followed closely by the 'CMA CGM Bellini' (IMO: 9280598) losing its berth at berth 6. The extreme weather, coupled with controlled dam water releases upstream, led to formidable currents at the river's mouth, exerting intense pressure on the mooring lines that secured the vessels. Despite the precarious situations, quick action from tugboats ensured both vessels were safely controlled with no injuries or substantial damages reported. The ATSB's inquiry determined that the breakaways were prompted by robust currents and the forces created when other container ships navigated close by and approached the berths. During the investigation, the ATSB found that the mooring limits for both the 'OOCL Brisbane' and 'CMA CGM Bellini' were exceeded due to the high ebb currents. The 'OOCL Brisbane' experienced a complete failure of its mooring lines, while the forward lines of the 'CMA CGM Bellini' broke loose, causing the bow to drift away from the wharf before assistance was rendered by tugs. A significant revelation from the investigation was that both Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Poseidon Sea Pilots (PSP) lacked a collaborative framework to effectively pinpoint hazards and evaluate risks associated with shipping under non-standard environmental conditions. The findings from these breakaways highlighted an urgent need for thoroughly structured and clearly defined emergency procedures to oversee port operations, especially during extreme weather scenarios. In response to these incidents, MSQ and PSP, alongside various stakeholders, have initiated improvements in extreme weather response strategies. This includes the formation of the Port of Brisbane Maritime Emergency Working Group to better coordinate emergency responses, as well as installing three new current meters to monitor river conditions, enhancing the existing infrastructure. Moreover, the input from PSP has been instrumental in revising MSQ's port operations protocol, leading to the creation of guidelines for vessel movements during flood conditions using advanced simulation technology. These proactive measures aim to avert similar incidents in the future and ensure safer navigation through the Port of Brisbane. For further information, you can access the full ATSB report here: https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2022/mair/mo-2022-004?utm_source=miragenews&utm_medium=miragenews&utm_campaign=news.