Parting of messenger line from tanker Queen Zenobia

Location: Fawley Oil Terminal, Southampton, England

Completed PE Summary: Queen Zenobia

A short summary of the accident and action taken:

Merchant Vessel/Accident Details
Vessel Name Queen Zenobia
Registered Owner/Manager Naftomar Shipping & Trading
Type LPG tanker
Built 2002
Construction Steel
Length Overall 156.03m
Gross Tonnage 16770
Date 18/06/2005
Location of Incident Fawley Oil Terminal, Southampton
Incident Type Equipment failure
Injuries/Fatalities None
Damage/Pollution None

Synopsis

The officer in charge of the aft mooring party onboard the tanker Queen Zenobia when a messenger line parted. They had been in the process of securing the tow rope of the tug Thrax in preparation for their departure from Fawley oil terminal.

Action taken

The Chief Inspector has written to the managers of the tanker Queen Zenobia recommending the following:

  • Ensure persons in charge are instructed on their overriding responsibility to monitor mooring teams effectively to ensure the safety of all involved.
  • Ensure ship’s crews establish contact and maintain basic communications between themselves and tug crews when working together.

The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has also written to the managers of the tug Thrax recommending the following:

  • Through training and procedures ensure tug crews do not put ship’s crews in unnecessary danger by stopping or heaving on messenger lines, when ships are taking a line from the tug.

Ensure tug crews establish contact and maintain basic communications between themselves and ship mooring teams when working together.


Published 23 January 2015