The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released Report MIR-25-09 and Investigation DCA24FM014 concerning an incident involving a crane barge and a shore-side crane. The summary is based on information shared by the NTSB and reported by IMCA.
What Happened
While a towing vessel was pushing a crane barge along the Cooper River near North Charleston, South Carolina, the barge’s crane came into unplanned contact with a dockside crane at a terminal. The incident resulted in significant structural damage to the dockside crane, estimated at over $4.5 million. No injuries occurred, and there was no pollution reported.
Why It Happened
The investigation found that the probable cause of the contact was a failure to identify the ship-to-shore crane as an overhead hazard. The presence and position of the dockside crane, particularly its potential extension beyond the dock edge when lowered for cargo operations, were not adequately accounted for during the barge’s transit.
Lessons Learned
- Bridge teams must be fully aware of the vessel’s air draft and surrounding overhead hazards, including dockside cranes, overbridges, offshore platforms, and wind turbine installations.
- Particular attention should be paid to dockside cranes in lowered positions, as they may project well beyond the dock and pose risks to passing vessels.
- Proper hazard recognition and route planning are essential to prevent such incidents.
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Source: IMCA Trading Ltd
