Is Your Vessel Port-Ready? Understanding Safety Performance Reviews at Coal Terminals

 🚢 Is Your Vessel Port-Ready? Understanding Safety Performance Reviews at Coal Terminals

❓ Is your lifting gear up to standard for high-performance coal terminals like Port Waratah?

❓ Could one overlooked detail in your rigging cost you future berths?

❓ Are you prepared to demonstrate operational improvements to regain terminal approval?

 

🔍 CLAUSE BREAKDOWN: "Vessel Suitability – Safety Performance Under Review"

Background:
Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS) conducts routine reviews of vessels calling at their terminals, based on the PWCS Coal Terminals Information Handbook. This evaluation is critical as it directly impacts a vessel's future suitability to call at the port.

Key Compliance Area in Focus:
In this recent case, the concern centers around secondary support rigging at the loading berth (K6).
The key issue noted:

• The secondary support arrangement was rated at only 900 kg, not a Safe Working Load (SWL).
• PWCS handbook clearly states: "All components of the rigging arrangement must have a SWL greater than 2 tonnes." This includes ropes, pulleys, fittings, davits, vessel cranes, and wires.

Implications:

• Non-compliance puts the vessel under "Suitability Under Review – Safety Performance".
• The vessel faces potential disqualification from future loadings unless corrective actions are taken.
• Terminal operators demand a formal Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective Action Plan (CAP) covering:
• What caused the problem?
• How was it fixed?
• How will it be prevented in the future?

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming manufacturer ratings (instead of certified SWLs) are acceptable.
• Overlooking secondary support while focusing only on primary rigging.
• Failure to keep lifting gear certification updated and onboard documentation accessible.

Real-World Example:
In past cases reviewed by Australian terminal authorities, vessels with uncertified rigging or ambiguous load-bearing components were rejected from terminal scheduling for months, leading to commercial losses and charter disputes.

BIMCO Commentary (where applicable):
BIMCO Time Charter Party clauses often emphasize compliance with terminal regulations as part of the due diligence obligation on Owners. Charterers may also invoke "unsuitable vessel" arguments if terminal compliance is jeopardized.

 

⚙️ ACTIONABLE STEPS FOR OPERATORS, MANAGERS & OWNERS:

1. Review Rigging Gear Certifications:
• Ensure all gear used for support (primary and secondary) has clearly marked and certified SWLs > 2 tonnes.
2. Update Vessel Rigging Plan:
• Maintain a detailed rigging and lifting gear layout onboard and submit the same to charterers/agents in advance.
3. Conduct Internal Safety Audits:
• Before calling Australian coal terminals, run a pre-port checklist for lifting gear compliance with terminal guidelines.
4. Maintain Communication:
• In case of any performance flag, respond proactively with a well-documented RCA and mitigation plan.
5. Train Crew on Terminal-Specific Expectations:
• Conduct periodic toolbox meetings before arriving at terminals with strict safety audits.

 

📣 CONCLUSION: STAY PORT-COMPLIANT TO STAY IN THE GAME

Safety standards at coal terminals like Port Waratah aren’t just technical requirements—they’re business-critical. As a shipping professional, staying informed and compliant is the key to operational continuity and avoiding costly delays or blacklisting.

👉 Have you had similar terminal performance reviews? Share your experience!
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⚠️ Disclaimer:

This blog post is for informational purposes only and reflects general operational guidance. It does not reference specific vessels or dates and should not be considered legal or contractual advice. For compliance and legal decisions, always consult relevant authorities and terminal regulations.