Shanghai implements temporary investigation process after machinery failure

by The Editorial Team

January 7, 2022

Lloyd’s Register issued Class News _alert_ to inform that the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of the People’s Republic of China announced a temporary process for carrying out investigations after any incident of machinery failure in Shanghai’s territorial waterway.

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After a machinery failure incident, the ship’s Recognised Organisation (RO) will be requested to attend onboard to carry out a root cause investigation and any occasional survey or additional audit as needed.

The MSA will check the RO’s report and avoid attendance on board as practical.

Due to the strict quarantine requirements for class surveyor attendance in port and anchorages in China, we expect RO surveyor attendance to be extremely difficult, time consuming and expensive.

…commented Lloyd’s Register Classification Society and advised the following:

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#1 Ensure pre-checks and testing 

To avoid detentions caused by ship deficiencies, ship operators are reminded to implement effective safety management systems to ensure that the maintenance of the ship’s machinery is carried out and recorded properly. Propulsion, steering and navigational systems must be pre-checked and tested before entering Shanghai’s territorial waterway.

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#2 Report problems immediately

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Adequate time must be arranged to enable crews to change over to low sulphur fuel before entering an Emission Control Area. Any repeating alarms and/or low insulation resistance issues should be investigated thoroughly. Any malfunction should be reported immediately to local authorities, flag Administrations and Class Societies.

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#3 Get in touch with your account manager first for more details and to discuss your survey needs in China.