On August 29, 2022, a serious
Collision occurred between the bulk carrier
OS 35 and the LNG tanker
ADAM LNG in the western anchorage of Gibraltar, as detailed in the official “Report on the investigation of the collision of OS 35 and ADAM LNG and the subsequent grounding of OS 35 on 29 AUGUST 2022.” According to the findings, OS 35 suffered critical structural damage and was forced to run aground near Catalan Bay to prevent sinking in deeper waters. The investigation highlighted multiple contributing factors, but the primary cause was a miscalculated maneuver and insufficient bridge team coordination aboard OS 35.
Events Leading Up to the Collision
According to the report, OS 35 was on a voyage from Sohar in Oman, carrying steel rebar intended for Rotterdam and Ghent in the Netherlands. The vessel had anchored in Gibraltar’s Western Anchorage for bunkering. Around the same time, ADAM LNG, also bound for Gibraltar to refuel, was anchored in ballast condition.In Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) and its Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) typically require outbound ships to communicate their departure intentions. However, as noted in the report, the captain of OS 35 began reversing the ship with astern propulsion after he was concerned the vessel might drift into another anchored ship due to perceived tidal influence. This set the stage for the critical navigation error that would eventually lead to the collision.
Main Cause of the Accident
The official analysis states that the master and bridge team of OS 35 underestimated the complexities of maneuvering astern, particularly the sideways (starboard) drift that can occur under astern power. The wind and current conditions were relatively mild, yet still sufficient to complicate an already challenging maneuver. By the time the captain realized that steering to port under full ahead power was bringing the stern of OS 35 dangerously close to ADAM LNG’s bow, it was too late to avoid contact.The
Report specifies that ADAM LNG remained at anchor and was largely unable to take evasive action. OS 35’s sudden turn to full ahead, combined with a hard-to-port rudder, actually accelerated the vessel’s stern toward ADAM LNG’s bulbous bow.
Collision and Grounding
On impact, OS 35’s hull was severely breached, flooding multiple cargo holds. The report indicates that holds 2 and 3 were immediately compromised, with hold 1 eventually affected as well. ADAM LNG sustained comparatively minor damage to its bow. Immediately following the collision, Gibraltar VTS instructed OS 35 to head to shallow waters on Gibraltar’s eastern side. This move aimed to prevent the vessel from sinking in deeper waters or drifting outside British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. OS 35 then ran aground near Catalan Bay, with local tugs and salvage support dispatched promptly.
Emergency Response
Immediately after the accident, Gibraltar Port Authority activated its emergency procedures. According to the report, the situation was quickly escalated, with tugboats and a pilot sent to OS 35’s position. Although the risk of a fuel spill was taken seriously, only minor pollution was reported. The master of OS 35 initially denied any contact with ADAM LNG, but it became clear soon after that a collision had indeed occurred.
Investigation Challenges and Key Recommendations
A critical complication in the investigation was the failure of the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) on OS 35 to record the events of the collision. ADAM LNG’s VDR also lacked certain data, preventing investigators from having a complete picture of the ships’ engine orders and precise positions in real-time. The report strongly recommends more stringent checks on VDR functionality and urges operators to ensure continuous, accurate data capture.Furthermore, the report suggests that requiring compulsory pilotage for vessels departing the Western Anchorage could significantly reduce the risk of such accidents. While pilotage is mandatory for arriving vessels, many ships choose to depart without a pilot, which can lead to navigational errors in complex or congested anchorage conditions.In conclusion, the official report underscores the importance of rigorous passage planning, effective bridge team coordination, and clear communication with port authorities. By implementing the report’s recommendations, maritime stakeholders hope to minimize future risks and enhance overall safety in Gibraltar waters.
