PILBARA PORTS AUTHORITY (PPA): NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR CAPESIZE VESSELS' TOWING FITTINGS AS OF FEBRUARY 2021

PPA Reequirements

PPA requires all Capesize vessels (vessel deadweight over 120,000 tons) to have at least one set of bitts and chocks on the vessel’s aft deck at or near the centerline to be rated at a minimum of 120 tons Safe Working Load (SWL) for towing purposes. This requirement for Capesize vessels comes into force on 1 February 2021. If a vessel is unable to carry out this upgrade before 1 February 2021, such vessel may still be considered eligible to call the Port even without the modified deck fittings. If a vessel that calls the Port after 1 February 2021 arrives and does not meet this new requirement, the vessel may be subject to a number of restrictions / additional controls which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. These may include additional towage (additional costs) and vessel scheduling restrictions to better manage the risk posed by the vessel.

Recommendations

Ship Operators / Managers of Capesize vessels are urged to upgrade their existing chocks and bitts or fit new ones at or as close as possible to the centerline aft. Having prepared the necessary technical documentation (strength calculations, structural drawings, plan updates, etc.) for mooring modifications on over 1,000 vessels so far, AMC may assist with upgrading a vessel’s aft arrangement to comply with the latest PPA requirements for towing. Our aim is to minimize costs involved by reducing necessary under-deck reinforcements and simplifying structural works. Our scope of work includes undertaking all necessary strength calculations, construction drawings for under-deck reinforcements, General / Mooring Arrangement Plan updates, Emergency Towing Booklet (ETB) updates, etc