Bulk Carrier Breakaway Highlights Importance of Mooring Safety

On March 27, 2023, the bulk carrier Sirocco broke free from its moorings at the Convent Marine Terminal in Louisiana, drifting down the Mississippi River and colliding with a moored barge.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed that the incident occurred due to excessive tension on the forward mooring lines, which exceeded the winches’ brake capacity in strong river currents.

The NTSB emphasized the critical importance of proper mooring techniques, stating, “To reduce the risk of a vessel breakaway, it is important for vessel crews to understand the forces that act on a vessel when it is moored into a strong current at a dock.” Investigators recommended continuous monitoring and adjustment of mooring lines, especially as vessels load cargo and sit lower in the water.

The NTSB also stressed the importance of preparedness, advising vessel masters to develop breakaway response plans and implement additional safety measures. These include keeping propulsion systems on standby and having anchors ready for immediate use.

“Vessel masters should also consider incorporating additional safety measures such as keeping propulsion, thrusters, and steering systems on short standby and having anchors ready for immediate use (even if not required by the loading facility),” investigators said. “Vessel masters should be familiar with how to request tug support on short notice.”

While no injuries or pollution were reported, the incident resulted in an estimated $5 million in damages to the Sirocco, the barge, and the Mosaic Uncle Sam dock.

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