Incident Overview
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its findings on the towline failure involving the tug Svitzer Avon in February 2025. The incident occurred during departure operations from Royal Portbury Dock, highlighting critical lessons in towing procedures and vessel handling.
Sequence of Events
At approximately 1954 on 4 February 2025, the UK-registered tugs Svitzer Avon and Svitzer Brunel exited the lock at Royal Portbury Dock under tow. Shortly after clearing the lock, the towline between the two vessels parted, disrupting operations and posing safety risks to the crew.
MAIB Findings
The investigation determined that the primary cause of the towline failure was an over-correction in rudder input by the Svitzer Avon’s crew. This abrupt maneuver generated excessive lateral forces on the towline, exceeding its safe working load and leading to its sudden rupture.
Contributing Factors
- Inadequate communication between the towing and towed vessels regarding intended course adjustments.
- Lack of real-time monitoring of towline tension during the maneuver.
- Environmental conditions, including tidal currents, which may have amplified the strain on the towline.
Safety Recommendations
The MAIB emphasized the following measures to prevent similar incidents:
- Enhanced crew training on controlled rudder inputs during towing operations, particularly in confined waters.
- Implementation of standardized communication protocols between towing and towed vessels to ensure synchronized maneuvers.
- Adoption of tension monitoring systems to provide real-time feedback on towline loads.
- Review of operational procedures to account for environmental factors, such as tidal currents, during tow planning.
Industry Implications
This incident underscores the importance of precision in towing operations, where even minor miscalculations can lead to equipment failure and safety hazards. Operators are urged to revisit their training programs and procedural checks to mitigate risks associated with dynamic towing scenarios.