When a ship allides with port infrastructure, causing damage to the berth itself or equipment located on it, it is important that the port takes prompt steps to protect their interests
Whether for bulk handling or container operations, the quayside crane is critical for performing ship to shore services. This vital tool is also vulnerable to significant damage when impacted by a ship during berthing. While relatively low frequency, such incidents carry high consequence in direct damage, business disruption and potential for injury.
Analysis of TT Club's claims experience continues to highlight the vulnerability of quay cranes, other handling equipment and containers to major weather related incidents at marine terminals. Despite the large mass, it is not uncommon for these cranes to be blown along the crane rails, potentially into other equipment or toppling over, giving rise to extensive damage.
TT Club has previously reported on incident experience whereby containers have dropped from lifting equipment during handling operations. Recurrence appears, as previously, to have nothing to do with the intrinsic quality of the corner castings. The reliability of the lifting process is critical.
The traditional assertion that storm events are unexpected and their consequence unavoidable may no longer be simple to establish. Planning from the outset is as critical as planning for the emergency.
You may think it is Groundhog Day again. TT Club has been highlighting the issue of the boom of a quay crane colliding with a ship for many years. However, it is frustrating to note the continued regularity of this type of incident.
