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MAIB highlights ‘improper lookout’ in Jebel Ali collision case

MAIB highlights ‘improper lookout’ in Jebel Ali collision case
A collision between UK-flagged containership Ever Smart and Marshall Islands-registered oil tanker Alexandra 1 in Jebel Ali, UAE, was in large part caused by poor watchkeeping, an investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has concluded.

Evergreen Marine (UK)-managed Ever Smart hit Iships Management’s Alexandra 1 at a speed of 12 knots, while attempting to pass one another in the Jebel Ali approach channel, had not agreed a passing arrangement beforehand. Both vessels sustained severe bow damage, but no injuries or pollution were reported.

The crucial factor was deemed to be inadequate watchkeeping on both vessels. “Alexandra 1 was unnecessarily close to the channel entrance and the tanker’s master acted on scanty VHF radio information,”the MAIB report said. "Ever Smart’s bridge team did not keep a proper lookout or monitor the tanker’s movement. They only realised that Alexandra 1 was close ahead seconds before the collision when alerted by the port control.”

In addition, the traffic management system at Jebel Ali, as well as its pilotage services, did nothing to prevent the collision.

“Evergreen Marine (UK), and Iships Management Private have taken action to improve the standard of bridge watchkeeping on board their vessels," MAIB said. "A recommendation to DP World UAE Region, the operators of Jebel Ali port, is intended to improve the effectiveness of the vessel traffic and pilotage services it provides.”