CMA CGM To Revise Steering Procedures After Ship Collision In Yarra River

CMA CGM is updating its fleetwide steering procedures after an investigation found that unclear instructions contributed to one of its container ships, CMA CGM Puccini, losing steering control and striking a navigational beacon in Melbourne’s Yarra River.

The incident occurred on May 25, 2023, when the vessel was departing the Port of Melbourne under a harbour pilot’s guidance.

As the ship turned, its rudder began responding unpredictably, causing it to swing too wide and hit the beacon. The vessel suffered minor hull paint damage, while the beacon sustained major damage.

An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found that the erratic steering was caused by a hydraulic bypass valve that had been left open after a routine port state control inspection by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) the day before.

The investigation revealed that the ship’s crew had incorrectly set up the steering hydraulics due to a limited understanding of how the system functioned.

The ATSB identified that unclear wording in CMA CGM’s fleetwide safety procedures increased the risk of such errors.

The company’s manual referred only to “steering gear failure” instead of using more specific industry terms like “emergency steering” and “local steering,” which could have led to confusion. Additionally, key terms were not clearly explained in the procedures.

After the investigation, CMA CGM informed the ATSB that it would rename the “steering gear failure” procedure as an “emergency steering procedure” and make improvements to ensure clearer instructions across its fleet.

The ATSB says that unclear operational instructions should be corrected immediately, as any steering failure could endanger both the ship and its crew.

The investigation also found that some officers onboard CMA CGM Puccini lacked the required proficiency in steering gear operations and switching control modes, which is mandatory under international regulations.

In response to the incident, Ports Victoria has revised Melbourne’s harbour master’s directions to enhance towage requirements in the Yarra River and provide guidance for vessels that experience main engine or steering failures while navigating port waters.

Authorities discussed the importance of ensuring that ship crews fully understand and are competent in handling their vessel’s steering systems to prevent such incidents in the future.

Reference: ATSB

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