A pilot with ‘extensive’ knowledge of berthing operations at DP World’s Jebel Ali Port has pointed blame at the terminal operator for the collapse of a quay crane earlier this month following a collision with a CMA CGM container ship.
In a news story by Cruise Arabia & Africa, the source has cited DP World’s attitude towards hiring staff and training as the main reason for the accident.
The marine pilot, who has not been named, also criticised the Container Terminal 1 basin design for making larger ships turn too sharply when trying to berth.
The source said: “In that situation, you have two choices, either you go full astern and hope you stop in time, or you increase speed to get more headway.”
They added that leaked CCTV footage of the accident seemed to show the ship powering through the turn in an attempt to help port control.
They said: “There was a vessel outbound from the general cargo terminal and what he’d intended to do was stop the CMA CGM vessel and use the tugs to turn her 270 degrees and back into the berth.
“Because of the oncoming ship, he seems to have changed his manoeuvring plan and instead turned into the T1 basin, with his tugs in the wrong position to provide assistance.”
Port Technology has approached DP World for further information and comment.
