The Australian Transport Security Bureau (ATSB) investigated an incident involving a vessel that misplaced propulsion whereas coming into the Port of Fremantle, Western Australia, on 4 March 2025. The investigation examined the technical trigger, upkeep practices, and communication elements that contributed to the prevalence.
What Occurred
Whereas underneath pilotage into the port, the vessel’s predominant engine stopped close to the doorway to the Inside Harbour. Propulsion was quickly restored however failed once more shortly afterward contained in the harbour. The ship continued underneath momentum whereas tug help was used to keep up management. After a number of makes an attempt, the engine was restarted at useless gradual forward, and the vessel was safely berthed with tug help.
Why It Occurred
The principle engine failures have been brought on by degraded seals within the servo piston of the air distributor throughout the pneumatic management system. This defect allowed air leakage, misaligning the camshaft place and stopping the engine.
A number of security elements elevated the probability of failure:
The deliberate upkeep system lacked element and didn’t embrace particular entries for the primary engine pneumatic system.
Producer-recommended servicing of pneumatic elements and the management air dryer was not carried out.
Crew had not obtained particular coaching on pneumatic system upkeep.
Communication points arose as a result of pilots used a non-standard radio channel for coordination with vessel site visitors service (VTS), decreasing efficient contact throughout the emergency.
Actions Taken
The engine producer’s service staff overhauled the entire pneumatic manoeuvring system on the vessel’s subsequent port name.
The operator initiated a evaluation of its upkeep system, figuring out 27 corrective actions and starting a transition to a digital, class-approved deliberate upkeep platform.
Fremantle Pilots and the port authority started reviewing communication protocols to align practices with designated VHF channels and benchmark towards different Australian ports.
Classes Discovered
An in depth and traceable deliberate upkeep system, aligned with producer steerage, is crucial to make sure the reliability of vital propulsion and management programs.
Engineering personnel needs to be educated on particular programs resembling pneumatic controls to keep up competency in inspection and maintenance.
Common servicing of elements, together with air distributors and management air dryers, is critical to forestall failures brought on by seal degradation, moisture ingress, or corrosion.
Lastly, strict adherence to established port communication protocols throughout emergencies is significant to allow well timed and efficient coordination between pilots, vessel site visitors service, and supporting tugs.
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Supply: ATSB
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