Japan MOL Comfort inquiry recommends temp safety actions

However while the committee established by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has made temporary recommendations the cause of the accident still remains unknown.

In a report issued on 17 December the committee recommended an inspection bottom shell plates and if buckling formations were found for the classification society to be consulted.

It also recommended “verification of the actual weight of container cargoes provided by the shipper is recommended in order to reduce uncertainty related to the still water bending moments of large containerships”.

In a statement MOL said it had “done everything possible to ensure safe operation” since the incident occurred. MOL has arranged reinforcement work to strength the hulls of the six sisterships of the MOL Comfort. ClassNK found buckling deformations on the sisterships.

“MOL continues to pay special attention to the operation of this type of six sister vessels to reduce the stress on hulls by adjusting ballast water volume,” MOL said.

It also inspected its other large container vessels said it had and already confirmed there is no safety problem.

The MOL Comfort split in two heavy weather it the Indian Ocean in June, it later caught fire and sank.