The poor condition of much of the ship’s container lashing equipment indicates that the inspection and maintenance regime applied to this critical equipment had been inadequate.
Swires have reviewed their procedures and will be replacing the entire container fitting system on all eight ship in this class.
Swire Navigation has advised the ATSB that, at the time of the incident, the company (and ship) had in place a comprehensive inspection and maintenance regime which included regular inspection and maintenance and/or replacement of the vessel's container lashing equipment. The upkeep and replacement of relevant cargo securing equipment by the crew was progressing at the time of the incident.
Following the incident, Swire Navigation has reviewed the inspection and maintenance process for the container fitting system in use on the ship at the time of the incident and, although Class approved, has decided to replace the entire system with an alternative Class approved system for all eight ships of this class that the company believes will be even more robust.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by Swire Navigation adequately addresses this safety issue.
