KIRKELLA

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Accident investigation report on allision in Hull published

On June 13, 2024, an accident investigation report has been releasedon the allision between the 'Kirkella' and the unmanned tug 'Shovette' (MMSI: 232031441) at the King George Dock in Hull on June 24, 2022. The incident resulted in pollution and raised safety concerns. On that day, while the trawler was docked at Hull, the crew of the 'Kirkella' lost control of its propulsion system. The vessel allided with the 'Shovette', which was moored ahead and hat its hull and starboard fuel tank breached by the 'Kirkella'’s bulbous bow. As a result, approximately 7,000 litres of marine diesel oil spilt into the dock. There were no injuries, the 'Kirkella' suffered minimal damage. The pitch levers for the 'Kirkella'’s propulsion control system were not aligned between the bridge and engine control room during control transfer. The 'Kirkella'’s engineer failed to check the pitch lever when control was passed between the bridge and the engine room. There was no established procedure for control changeover. The classification society’s rules for remote control of engines were not in line with international unified requirements. The report included the following recommendations: - Det Norske Veritas (DNV): Propose a review of Unified Requirement M43.12 to clarify its intent. - Inform customers that the Rolls-Royce Helicon-X3 system may allow remote control station changeover with mismatched levers and recommend contacting the manufacturer for advice. - Kongsberg Maritime: Issue a service letter to customers advising them that the Rolls-Royce Helicon-X3 system’s remote control changeover process can lead to significant alterations in propelling thrust due to mismatched levers. Provide guidance on operation and rectification if requested. In addition to the report, a safety flyer has been distributed within the shipping industry. It emphasised the risk associated with mismatched propeller pitch levers during control transfer and suggests potential mitigation measures.