Working Conditions Aboard the Zhe-Neng-2

In a strategic move, Lomar Shipping has successfully sold their supramax bulk carrier 'Ocean Prefect', built in 2003 by Oshima, to a group of buyers in China. The vessel, with IMO number 9265796, underwent its last special survey and dry dock in July 2018, ensuring its reliability and operational efficiency at the time of sale. The transaction was finalized for a noteworthy sum of USD 9.1 million, reflecting the ongoing demand for quality bulk carriers in the maritime market.

An investigation conducted by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has raised serious concerns regarding navigation safety at Ahmed Bin Rashid Port in Umm Al Quwain, UAE, citing an alarming deficiency in resources and marine expertise. This review was prompted by the grounding incidents of the bulk carrier "Ocean Prefect" on June 10 and June 11, 2017. During its first attempt to enter the port on June 10, the vessel ran aground but was successfully refloated after 12 hours with assistance from the tugboats "Halibut Ann," "Grouper Ann," "Mullet Ann," and "Pacific Vortex." On the following day, while trying to navigate the port yet again, the "Ocean Prefect" ran aground once more, resulting in damage to three ballast tanks, although it eventually proceeded to its berth after discharging its cargo. Following these incidents, the ship made its way to a drydock in Dubai for necessary repairs, all sanctioned by Lloyd’s Register. Notably, during both events, two harbour pilots were on board, having been transferred to the vessel via the tugboat "Halibut Ann." However, MAIB's findings revealed that these pilots possessed limited local knowledge, exacerbating the challenges posed by misleading navigation marks marking the channel's limits. Contributing factors included the tidal stream and the confined nature of the channel, along with insufficient tidal stream data. On December 7, 2017, the MAIB shared its safety findings related to the "Ocean Prefect" incidents with the UAE Federal Transport Authority's director of Maritime Transport Affairs. As a result of the discussions, a series of safety measures were agreed upon with the port authority, including arranging pilotage exclusively through the port authority for vessels visiting the container and bulk terminal facilities. Additionally, the port authority has committed to providing navigational information to incoming vessels, establishing leading lights in the approach channel, controlling vessel movements through a new port control facility, conducting a hydrographic survey of the port and its approaches, and upgrading navigational aids. These collective actions aim to enhance navigation safety and prevent future incidents at Ahmed Bin Rashid Port.