Anchoring at Risk? Why Newcastle Anchorage May Cost More Than You Think

 ⚓ Anchoring at Risk? Why Newcastle Anchorage May Cost More Than You Think

❓Three Yes/No Questions to Spark Curiosity

• Are you confident your vessel’s anchorage choices are always safe and commercially sound?
• Could anchoring in deeper waters expose you to potential liability under the charter party?
• Have you reviewed past incidents at Newcastle where vessels lost anchors due to weather and seabed conditions?

 

📜 Clause Breakdown & Operational Context

While this is not a standalone clause in the charter party, the implications of anchoring decisions fall under “Due Diligence,” “Seaworthiness,” and “Safe Port/Safe Anchorage” responsibilities—whether under GENCON, NYPE, or bespoke C/P terms.

 

🔍 Explanation:

Newcastle anchorage has reported water depths around 100 meters, with sudden weather shifts and a high historical frequency of anchor/chain losses.

Port agents and operators now recommend NOT anchoring in the designated anchorage area. Many owners, including RYBM-managed vessels, routinely wait at EAT (Expected Arrival Time) or drift outside until berthing instructions are received.

 

⚠️ Implications:

• Loss of Anchor/Chain: Can result in significant financial liability (replacement, delays, salvage operations).
• Grounding Risk: If vessel drags anchor due to deep water or bad weather, owners may face hull damage or even environmental claims.
• Deviation Claims: If the vessel is moved off course to recover or reset anchor.
• Charter Party Exposure: Claims related to off-hire, delays, or breach of safe port/anchorage warranties.

 

💡 Real-World Example:

In multiple Newcastle port calls over the past few years, vessels have lost anchors due to sudden weather changes while anchored in >100m depth. One such bulk carrier spent over $250,000 on anchor retrieval and suffered 3.5 days off-hire.

 

❌ Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming “designated anchorage” = “safe anchorage”
• Not reviewing local weather and bathymetric reports
• Blindly following NOR tendering timelines
• Failing to notify charterers about anchoring risks

 

🧠 Practical Tips

• 📑 Check Port Guidelines: Newcastle’s pilot and VTS authorities often issue anchorage warnings—get the latest.
• 🛰️ Use Live Weather Feeds & Drift Forecasts: Don’t rely on yesterday’s report.
• 🛠️ Have a SOP for High-Depth Anchorage: Especially in ports like Newcastle, Cape Town, Fujairah outer.
• 💬 Master’s Authority: Reinforce the Master’s right to decline anchoring when conditions are unsafe.
• ⚖️ Notify Charterers in Advance: If anchoring is avoided, clearly state commercial and safety reasons in writing.

 

📘 Case Law & BIMCO Commentary

• The Evia (No. 2) [1983] 1 AC 736: Clarifies the safe port warranty includes unforeseen risks like weather or seabed.
• BIMCO Commentary on NOR Clauses: Reinforces that tendering NOR at unsafe anchorages can backfire legally.
• ISM Code Section 7: Requires identifying hazards and taking steps to mitigate risks under shipboard operations.

 

📌 Actionable Steps

For Owners/Managers:

• Issue fleet-wide guidance against anchoring at Newcastle.
• Update standing orders for high-risk ports with known anchor loss records.
• Ensure insurance (H&M/P&I) covers deep anchorage risks.

For Masters:

• Refuse anchorage if depth or weather poses risk; note in logbook.
• Provide reasoned notification to charterers and agents in writing.

For Charterers:

• Avoid insisting on NOR tender at unsafe anchorages.
• Respect Masters’ and Owners’ assessment of anchoring risks.
• Consider NOR at berth or safe drifting areas when mutually agreed.

 

🌅 Conclusion

Anchoring is not just a maneuver—it's a maritime risk decision. As professionals in chartering, ops, or command, the cost of one wrong anchor drop could be far greater than just off-hire time. With Newcastle’s well-known anchorage hazards, proactive risk management is not optional—it’s essential.

 

📣 Call to Action:

🚢 Have you faced challenges while anchoring at deep ports like Newcastle?
💬 Share your experiences below.
🔔 Follow ShipOpsInsights with Dattaram for real-world dry bulk ops lessons.
📢 Like, comment, and forward this to your master mariners and operations teams.

 

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or operational advice. Shipping professionals are encouraged to refer to their charter party clauses, port regulations, and consult their legal or P&I representatives for specific operational decisions.