The Nautical Institute draws lessons learned from an incident where two bulk carriers collided in dense fog after the overtaking vessel went undetected and both crews failed to take timely action to avoid the collision.
A loaded bulk carrier, Vessel A, was underway in a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in fog, making about 7.6 kts. Visibility was about 350 m, so the Master had put in place a heightened bridge watch regime. The Master had the con, assisted by two other navigation officers, and there was a helmsperson at the wheel.
Vessels heading to Indian ports to load iron ore fines and other Group A cargoes should note the revised procedure for loading, sailing clearance and surveys.
Following the very recent loss of the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Ocean Winner, the Principal Officer, MMD Kolkata has, with immediate effect, imposed additional controls on the loading and sailing of vessels carrying iron ore fines, sand and other Group A (liquefiable) cargoes from ports under Kolkata Port jurisdiction, this would include Kolkata, Haldia, Budge Budge, Diamond Harbour, Paradip, Dhamra, Gopalpur and Port Blair.
Vessels loading, or due to load, such cargoes at these ports — Paradip in particular — should anticipate additional permissions, port-conducted risk assessments, mandatory multi-stage surveyor attendance. Detailed procedures are stated to be under preparation and the position is evolving.
The controls invoke the existing framework under MS Notice 9 of 2010 (safe loading, stowage and carriage of iron ore fines in fair and foul season), read with the shipper’s declaration requirement the authority attributes to MS Notice 2 of 2017. Para 5(iv) of MS Notice 9 of 2010 sets out port/terminal responsibilities, including covering of stockpiles liable to be affected by monsoon precipitation.
Revised requirements as presently notified:
As communicated by the Principal Officer, MMD Kolkata:
(a) Explicit prior loading permission — permission must be obtained from the PO, MMD Kolkata before commencement of loading of the subject cargoes;
(b) Explicit departure / sailing permission — separate permission from the PO must be obtained prior to departure;
(c) Port risk assessment — a Risk Assessment is to be carried out by the port and submitted to the PO for any liquefiable cargo, addressing at least expected rainfall, jetty condition (open or closed) and cargo storage arrangements;
(d) Shipper’s declaration — to be submitted as per MS Notice 2 of 2017;
Below you will find a weekly report dated 26 August 2026, covering the period of 20 to 26 August, where the following incidents were reported:
Full advisory at the following link.
https://britanniapandi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ARC-Weekly-Report-26.08.26.pdf
OFAC have issued a warning of the sanctions risks for both US and non-US persons in the payment of “tolls” or other forms of benefit to Iran in return for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Full advisory at the following link.