Despite this acknowledged vulnerability stemming from their fundamental design, it’s crucial to recognize that modern Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCC/PTCC) incorporate design features that significantly enhance their seaworthiness. Notably, the exceptionally high freeboard of these vessels—the vertical distance between the waterline and the main deck—plays a critical role in mitigating risks.
The 2006 incident involving the car carrier MV Cougar Ace serves as a compelling example. The vessel developed a severe 60-degree list to port due to improper ballast operations. Despite this extreme angle of list, which would be catastrophic for many other vessel types, the Cougar Ace did not sink. This remarkable survivability can be attributed to its high enclosed sides, which effectively prevented water ingress into the hull, even at such a dramatic tilt. The incident also highlighted the critical importance of adhering to established ballast operation procedures, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Industry best practices and regulatory guidance strongly advise against sequential ballast operations in rough seas, instead recommending the “flow-through” method to maintain stability. Furthermore, comprehensive Safety Management Systems (SMS) on board should explicitly address these operational risks.
Another illustrative case is the 2016 incident involving the MV Modern Express. This vessel developed a significant list off the coast of France following cargo shift during a voyage. Salvage teams were required to intervene and secure the drifting ship before it was towed to the port of Bilbao, Spain. Subsequent investigations suggested the cargo, allegedly an illicit shipment of timber logs, had broken loose within the cargo holds, leading to the instability.
These incidents underscore a fundamental principle applicable to all machinery and equipment, including complex vessels like car carriers: adherence to manufacturer’s instructions is paramount for safe operation. In the maritime context, these instructions are primarily found in two critical documents: the ship’s stability booklet and the cargo securing manual. The stability booklet provides detailed information on the vessel’s stability characteristics and limitations under various loading conditions. The cargo securing manual outlines the correct procedures for safely securing cargo to prevent shifting during transit, a particularly crucial aspect for car carriers transporting thousands of vehicles.
While modern loadicator systems provide valuable real-time data and “all green” stability figures, over-reliance on these tools without critical judgment can be perilous. As the adage from the IT world warns, “Garbage In = Garbage Out.” Inaccurate input data or a failure to consider factors beyond the loadicator’s scope can lead to flawed assessments of vessel stability.
Historically, loading a ship was considered a skilled art, requiring considerable expertise and careful planning. However, contemporary commercial pressures often prioritize speed and efficiency, sometimes reducing this intricate process to a more simplistic “dumping” of cargo. This efficiency-thoroughness trade-off (ETTO), combined with potential inherent design vulnerabilities, can create a heightened risk environment where incidents, although hopefully infrequent, become more likely. Ultimately, ensuring the safe operation of car carrier vessels demands a holistic approach that combines robust vessel design, strict adherence to operational procedures, comprehensive crew training, and a safety-first culture that resists the pressures of pure commercial expediency.
