Port Headland Australia Mooring Requirements

Port Hedland Authority issued the MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN 01/2021, regarding mooring safety with the port and terminals. Additionally BHP issued new requirements to come into force from July 2021.Mooring line failures / parted mooring line incidents pose a significant risk to personnel, infrastructure, and operations in the port. Over the past few years, a significant number of mooring line incidents were reported in the Port of Port Hedland (the Port). These form approximately 20% of all marine incidents in the Port.Port Hedland Marine Safety Bulletin 01/2021In accordance with the bulletin, all vessels calling Port Hedland should have Line Management Plan (LMP) or similar, in order to:

1. Comply with Port Hedland mooring requirements
2. Check for wear and damage, and to apply a trained and consistent approach in identifying early indications of a potential mooring line failure.
3. Define the intervals for end-forend changes and replacement criteria for mooring lines.
4. Manage all assessed risks
5. To ensure that during mooring operations, no harm comes to the ship’s crew or terminal staff, no damage is caused to the ship or terminal/facility it is interfacing with and that the mooring system meets all applicable regulations, codes and recommended practices.
6. Ensure that the use of chafe guards for protecting mooring lines against chafe damage is adequately implemented as per industry guidelines
7. Set and test the winch brakes as per industry;s standards and the recommendations given in ISO Standard 3730:2012 and leading Industry publications such as the OCIMF – Mooring Equipment Guidelines

BHP RequirementsAdditionally to the above , the BHP one the major Terminal managers in Port Hedland, has issued updated requirements (which are in line with Marine Safety Bulletin 01/2021), for adequate and safe mooring.All vessels calling at the Terminal and their crew must comply with the mandatory requirements described below from 1 July 2021 at 0001 AWST. Verification that the vessel and crew are compliant with the requirements will occur through the vessel vetting process, the Terminal Questionnaire and/or an inspection on board the vessel. 

List of Port Marine Circular & BHP Requirements

BHP mooring line technology incentiveAdditionally to above requirements, a new mooring line technology incentive will come into force from 1st April 2021.BHP will discount the line handling fee for certain new technology adoption, to incentivize the advancement of mooring line safety improvements. The incentive will apply to the use of products incorporating technology aimed at reducing the snap backs of mooring lines together with the appropriate line management plan,as determined or approved by BHP. The Wilhelmsen Timm Master 12 Snap Back Arrestor F100 (73mm) 220m and the Wilhelmsen Line Management Plan technology is currently approved by BHP. Alternative mooring line technology options will be reviewed by BHP.If a vessel berthing at the Terminal has all mooring lines installed of the Wilhelmsen Timm Master 12 Snap Back Arrestor F100 (73mm) 220m type and their use and condition is continually monitored through the Wilhelmsen Line Management Plan, the vessel will benefit from:

1. Reduced line handling charges from AU$1600 to AU$600 per Terminal call.
2. Mooring lines turned/rotated end to end at a minimum 2500 hours of active service.
3. A review of the line condition completed at 4500 hours of active service, or 5 years from certificate date to determine suitability for ongoing use. The line condition will be endorsed by the mooring line manufacturer and approved by BHP.

All lines of the Wilhelmsen Timm Master 12 Snap Back Arrestor F100 (73mm) 220m type, must be retired at age of 5000 hours of active service. Hours of active service is the time the lines are used in mooring operations as logged in the Wilhelmsen Line Management Plan. Actions requiredManagers of ships calling Port Hedland should have an effective Mooring Management Plan to ensure that the mooring lines are inspected, operated and maintained in accordance with port’s requirements in order to support and address the requirements set by Marine Safety Bulletin 01/2021 and BHP guidelines.

The MLMP should contain:

1. A detailed description of the procedures, roles and responsibilities required
2. An equipment section with all equipment requirements and guidance
3. An Inspection section for inspections and monitoring requirements.
4. A training Section for crew familiarization (using training Posters or other material)

Regulatory Reference: IMO

 Requirements

• Port Hedland Authority issuing the Marine Safety Bulletin 01/2021
• BHP Port Hedland Mooring Management Standard

You may also find further information on the Port Marine Circular and BHP guidelines at SAFETY4SEA 

Annex A: OCIMF MEG4 vs Port Hedland Mooring Requirements