An Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report stated that the tail rotor of an Agusta A109 helicopter struck a handrail while landing on the 'Tai Keystone' on Dec 6, 2023, as the pilot did not detect the obstacle, and the ship’s crew were using an older version of the vessel’s helicopter operations checklist. The report detailed that the helicopter was conducting marine pilot transfer operations to the bulk carrier, which was about 240 km north-east of Mackay, Queensland. As the helicopter’s wheels touched down on the ship’s helicopter landing site, the tail rotor struck an upright handrail that was not identified by the pilot during his approach. The pilot reported hearing a shredding noise and an increase in the engine pitch before completing the emergency shutdown procedure. The helicopter siffered substantial damage and was secured to the deck of the vessel, which then returned to Hay Point to allow the helicopter to be recovered. The ATSB investigation found that the ship’s crew was using an older version of the vessel’s helicopter operations checklist, which did not require the removal of the handrail, and the handrail was not removed during preparation of the landing site. In addition, the handrail was not painted in a color that contrasted with the ship’s deck, which was not in accordance with international guidance. The helicopter was also not positioned correctly during the landing, resulting in its tail rotor being outside the obstacle free zone. While it is the responsibility of the pilot in command to ensure that a landing area is safe, vessel operators should ensure their procedures and landing areas on ships are aligned with the relevant guidance material. To best aid pilots, objects that present a threat to a landing helicopter that are retractable, collapsible or removable should be painted in an appropriate color to ensure they are visible if forgotten or missed. Since the accident, the ship’s operator has updated the relevant checklist, and the helicopter operator has amended its procedures to ensure helicopter pilots are provided with a visual representation of each individual vessel’s helicopter landing site prior to departure. Report with photo: https://www.marinelink.com/news/old-checklist-led-helicopter-incident-513209
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CALEDONIAN ISLES
Caledonian MacBrayne announced further delays to the return of the 'Caledonian Isles', which will be out of action until the end of August. The vessel was deemed unfit to return to service during its annual inspection at the Cammell Laird Yard in Birkenhead in January, leaving the main means of crossing between Ardrossan and Brodick relying on a single, smaller ship, the 'Isle of Arran'. In February, the ferry operator insisted the 'Caledonian Isles' would return in June, but this has now been revised until at least the end of August. The scope of repairs will take significantly longer than anticipated. The steel repair work required is understood to involve removing all the engines at a cost of £5 million. As part of the works, the auxiliary engines and their bedplates were removed from the vessel to allow access to the double bottom water ballast tank tops. The structure below the main engines is being supported using hydraulic jacks, whilst the steel around these engines is renewed. The main engines will need to be lifted off their bedplates to allow access under the engines for renewal of the tank top steel directly below the sump.
Istanbul
There is currently limited supply of marine gasoil at the Turkish port of Istanbul, sources said Friday, August 2, owing to limited cargo deliveries in the region.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth International Port is set to welcome 150,000 cruise passengers each year following the completion of its multimillion-pound berth extension project, which has just been started in collaboration with construction firm Knights Brown. The renovation will include levelling out the cruise berth and building an additional dolphin. As a result, ships up to 255 metres in length will be able to safely and conveniently berth at the port.
OAK EXPRESS
the cargo m/v 'Everwin 11' (IMO: 8630992) allided with the 'Oak Express' on April 11, 2024, at Batangas. The 'Oak Express' was docked in Mabini town’s Landoor pier when the 'Everwin 11' hit its port quarter due to strong sea currents and winds, causing the vessel to drag while maneuvering. The tanker suffered dents, scratches, and punctured port quarter platings. As of April 25, the 'Everwin 11' was still under the custody of the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog. The 'Oak Express' left the port of Batangas on April 23 at 11.35 a.m. UTC, headed to Shekou.
OASIS OF THE SEAS
A 74-year-old female passenger from Belgium caused the 'Oasis of the Seas' to return to Bermuda on April 24, 2024, at 5 a.m. The ship, which en route from Miami, Florida to Cadiz, arrived in local waters at 1 a.m. to drop off a 69-year-old passenger from the USA, who needed medical attention. The passenger was taken to Ordnance Island and escorted safely to KEMH.
Chittagong
It was very easy to see the expected all the vessel in old version. But in new vision, it's seemingly useless. We hope you'll advise us & take necessary steps so that we could take the previous taste in vessel tracker. Thank you.
Turku
Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku has cut the first piece of steel for Costa Cruises’ second LNG-powered ship, which will be named Costa Toscana and be delivered in October 2021. Using its new plasma cutter line, Meyer Turku marked the start of the ship production project during a traditional ceremony at its yard in Turku. Once complete, Costa Toscana will have dual-fuel hybrid engines and onboard LNG tanks to enable her to operate using LNG in port and at sea.
EVERWIN 11
the 'Everwin 11' allided with the tank m/v 'Oak Express' (IMO:9405916), on April 11, 2024, at Batangas. The 'Oak Express' was docked in Mabini town’s Landoor pier when the 'Everwin 11' hit its port quarter due to strong sea currents and winds, causing the vessel to drag while maneuvering. The tanker suffered dents, scratches, and punctured port quarter platings. As of April 25, the 'Everwin 11' was still under the custody of the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog. The 'Oak Express' left the port of Batangas on April 23 at 11.35 a.m. UTC, headed to Shekou.
ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS
The 'Odyssey of the Seas' diverted to Bermuda on April 23, 2024, to drop off a 31-year-old male crew member who required medical attention. The ship, which was on its way from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Ponta Delgada in the Azores, arrived in local waters at 7 p.m., and the Indonesian crew member was taken to Ordnance Island by the pilot and rescue boat 'St George' and transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
Larnaca
The joint venture of Kition Ocean Holdings has submitted its proposal for the development of the existing Larnaca port and marina. After lengthy negotiations with the government, the Cypriot and Israeli joint venture of Kition Ocean Holdings submitted an updated proposal for the far-reaching utilisation and development of the Larnaca port and marina, it said. The company proposes the ultramodern upgrading and expansion of Larnaca port in order to become a pole of attraction for new companies operating in the fields of commercial cruises, transport and energy.
Manila
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) recently took delivery of another new quay crane (QC) and eight new hybrid rubber-tired gantries (RTGs) for its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), establishing the terminal as having the largest fleet of modern container-handling equipment in the Philippines with 18 QCs and 58 RTGs. Manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. (ZPMC), the QC is part of the five from ICTSI’s 2018 USD80-million capacity improvement program package. With a reach of up to 16 rows across twin, the new QC can service the largest feeder vessels calling the Philippines. It will be deployed at Berth 3.