Watch: Dual Fuel LNG Bulker Collides With Anchored Ship, Damaging LNG Tank Off Australia’s Hay Point Terminal

On July 16, 2024, a dual-fuel LNG bulker collided with an anchored ship off the Hay Point Terminal in northeastern Australia.

The bulker HL Eco, a 2020-built Capesize vessel with a deadweight tonnage of 180,000, was about to anchor when it experienced a propulsion failure.

As HL Eco drifted uncontrollably, its port side slammed with the bow of the anchored YM Serenity, another Capesize bulker, causing extensive damage.

The collision occurred when HL Eco drifted due to engine failure and collided with YM Serenity’s bow at a slow speed.

As HL Eco glided past, YM Serenity’s prow hit the LNG fuel tank on HL Eco’s port side.

YM Serenity’s starboard anchor got stuck in HL Eco’s port side, dragging along with the anchor chain as the HL Eco drifted away.

As HL Eco made contact, crew members from the YM Serenity, who were managing the anchor chain, attempted to control the situation.

Despite their efforts, the accident caused severe damage, including the loss of YM Serenity’s starboard anchor and a section of its chain.

Fortunately, neither vessel sustained damage below the waterline, and no pollution or casualties were reported.

Video Credits: Abhinav Surjan Mariner/YouTube

According to social media sources, Marine Safety Queensland was immediately informed of the incident, prompting the dispatch of two tugs, Kolijo and Karloo, to assist with the vessels.

The vessels were successfully re-anchored and are now awaiting further inspection.

The damaged LNG Tank on HL Eco, empty at the time of the incident sustained major structural damage.

Although the collision sliced open the tank, there was neither cryogenic liquid spill nor rapid regasification. If the tank had been full, the sailors of both the involved vessels could have found themselves in danger.

HL Eco is registered in Panama, classified by the Korean Registry, and commercially managed by the Korean company H Line Shipping. It features a WinGD 6X72DF 19,350 kW XDF dual-fuel engine.

YM Serenity, also Panama-flagged, is managed by Yang Ming Marine Transport and classified by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai.

The incident has led to discussions about the risk of LNG storage tanks, particularly those on the aft deck.

The collision highlights crucial considerations for naval architects and class societies when designing and placing retrofitting LNG tanks.

Following initial inspections, both vessels were cleared to proceed to the outer anchorage for further examination.

Reference: Riviera

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