KUZMA MININ

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Report on grounding published

A report into the "Kuzma Minin" incident on Dec 18, 2018 has revealed that the bulk carrier was not insured. The Russian vessel ran aground in stormy conditions just offshore on Gyllngvase Beach in Falmouth after dragging its anchor in the heavy swell. It just had sailed from Terneuzen, Holland, on December 7 following a 71-day detention by port state control. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its findings on Aug 1, stating that a "significant underlying contributor" to her grounding was the lack of investment by its owner MSCO. "Unpaid debts had led to the withdrawal of the vessel's P&I insurance, bunkers not being taken in Terneuzen, delay and difficulty in procuring fuel and lube oil in Falmouth, the withdrawal of agency services in Falmouth and the unavailability of the offshore support vessel "Kaouenn" during the refloating operation. The lack of insurance almost certainly contributed to the owner's lack of cooperation over the appointment of a salvor, which could have become essential had the initial recovery operation not been successful. It also placed the financial responsibility and liability for the salvage solely on the Falmouth Harbour Authority. The insurance available to port and harbours does not cover wreck removal unless the safety of navigation is compromised or the port or harbour has legal liability, neither of which were applicable in this case." The bulk carrier had not had P&I insurance cover in place for over three months, which had probably not been identified during the vessel's state control inspection in Terneuzen because the certificate was still onboard. Conclusions • The low quantity of bunkers and the absence of any reserves of lube oil on board the "Kuzma Minin" influenced the master’s decision to remain at anchor on a lee shore when strong winds were forecast. • The anchor dragged due to the wind speed increasing to over 50kts, the "Kuzma Minin"’s in ballast condition, and the sea swell. • The vessel’s movement was detected quickly, and the actions taken to put to sea were progressing until a chain was seen fouling the port anchor as it broke the sea surface. • As the vessel’s leeway towards the north increased to over 2kts, the attempt to clear the port anchor was unsuccessful, and the master was unable to turn the vessel away from the shore. • In the absence of a salvor and support from the "Kuzma Minin"’s owners, Falmouth harbourmaster was unclear how the response arrangements identified in the NCP could be implemented, which prompted repeated requests for the SOSREP to intervene. • The SOSREP had assessed that there was not an immediate threat of pollution and, in accordance with the NCP, he tacitly approved the response of Falmouth harbour’s operation to recover Kuzma Minin from Gyllyngvase beach. However, early clarification of the SOSREP’s position would have been useful to the harbourmaster. • Falmouth harbourmaster’s co-ordination of the refloating operation was effective, but the "Kuzma Minin"’s lack of P&I insurance led to unexpected pressures, notably concerns over responsibility for payment which hindered the appointment of salvage experts and the ability to secure the services of appropriate assets. The Falmouth Harbour Commissioners has: • Identified that the duty harbourmaster should consider requiring bunker vessels that extend their stay to re-anchor further offshore if severe weather is forecast. • Reviewed its procedures for checking vessels’ P&I insurance and introduced additional checks for vessels meeting certain criteria. • Met with and exchanged correspondence with the UK government’s shipping minister regarding the implementation of the NCP with a view to achieving greater clarity on the management of future incidents. The JSC Murmansk Shipping Company was recommended to take steps to ensure that its vessels are adequately resourced to operate safely and in accordance with international conventions, taking into account the potential consequences of vessels having insufficient fuel and oils, and the statutory requirement to maintain P&I insurance.

Grounding on the Neva

The "Kuzma Minin" , proceeding on the River Neva, ran aground on the right side of the fairway at km mark 1.337 close to Otradnoye on Oct 27, 20918. The vessel had a cargo of 2.995 tons of rubble on board. The vessel's loss of draught is 10 centimetres. It was planned to dispatch a tug to the scene to assist.