Analysis of the Total Loss of MS Finnbirch

The MS Finnbirch, a Swedish Ro-Ro ship, suffered a tragic accident resulting in its
total loss. Departing from Helsinki for a scheduled voyage to Århus, Denmark, the
vessel encountered harsh weather conditions with northerly winds reaching up to 29
m/s and large sudden waves. While navigating the passage between Öland and
Gotland, the ship experienced significant heeling to port due to heavy seas. Despite
efforts by the crew, the vessel listed at 30-35 degrees, causing a complete cargo
shift and prompting an immediate Mayday distress call.

Despite rescue attempts, the ship eventually capsized and sank, resulting in the loss
of one crew member and another succumbing to hypothermia.

Causes of the Accident: The primary cause of the accident was the vessel's
unfavorable course and speed under high sea conditions, with high and long waves,
leading to a reduction in stability and eventually a cargo shift. Inadequate cargo
securing, worsened the situation, as the ship's cargo-securing manual was
incomplete and not followed properly. Additionally, the charterer's use of their own
cargo-securing system, rather than adhering to the ship's manual, contributed to the
to bad cargo securing. The lack of communication and reporting about these
discrepancies to the shipowners or relevant authorities only aggravated the issue.

Dangers with Ro-Ro Ships: Ro-Ro ships face inherent dangers due to their open
deck design and the nature of their cargo. These include stability issues,
susceptibility to cargo shifts, fire hazards from onboard vehicles carrying fuel or
batteries, and vulnerability to adverse weather conditions such as high winds and
heavy seas.

Mitigation Strategies: To eliminate or minimize these dangers, it is crucial to

implement comprehensive cargo-securing protocols that adhere to international
standards and regulations. This includes proper training for crew members in
handling ships in heavy seas and securing cargo effectively. Collaborative efforts at
the international level are necessary to develop standardized cargo-securing codes
and ensure their enforcement across the industry. These exist and their
implementation must be a company priority. Regular inspections and audits of cargo-
securing practices onboard Ro-Ro ships, along with strict monitoring by maritime
authorities, can help ensure compliance and prevent accidents in the future.

Cargo Handling and Stowage: Critical factors in cargo handling and stowage on Ro-
Ro ships include proper weight distribution, effective securing mechanisms, and
consideration of weather conditions during transit. Cargo-securing manuals must be
comprehensive and followed diligently to prevent shifts of cargo that could put in
danger the vessel’s stability.

Prevention and Root Cause Analysis: To prevent similar accidents in the future, it is
essential to address the root causes identified in the investigation. This includes
enhancing stability requirements for ships navigating in following seas, improving
training for ship officers, and establishing robust cargo-securing standards and
procedures. Increased monitoring and enforcement of safety regulations, along with
transparent reporting of non-conformities, are critical for ensuring compliance and
mitigating risks.

Legislation and Recommendations: The Swedish Accident Investigation Board

(SHK) has issued several recommendations aimed at improving maritime safety,
including proposals for stability requirements, training of ship officers, development
of cargo-securing codes, and enhanced monitoring of safety organizations within
ship-owning companies. Collaboration with international bodies and the development
of national codes of rules for search and rescue activities are also recommended to
address safety concerns.

Finally, while the loss of MS Finnbirch was a tragic event, it serves as a reminder of
the importance of proactive risk management and adherence to safety standards in
the maritime industry. By implementing the recommended measures and improving
collaboration at the national and international levels, similar accidents can be
prevented, ensuring the safety of crew members and vessels operating in
challenging maritime environments.

In my opinion, cargo securing in Ro-Ro ships presents the danger of the cargo
shifting on wheels, or rolling if they are paper reels for example, and shifting the
weight and the stability to one side of the ship which can lead to severe listing and
water intake.

I believe that the cause of the total loss of Finnbirch, was that the cargo was not
properly secured, and shifted. I believe that happened because they were not
following standard procedures, but instead, using their own version which proved
insufficient.

Situations like that happening nowadays would be much more difficult since there
are regulations and inspections, and procedures in place, to prevent them. It would
only be possible to happen if there is a direct violation of the required procedures for
securing cargo, but it happens because people ignore measures that are there for
their own safety.

Things that could be done differently: in my opinion, at the beginning of rough

weather you should reinforce your lashings and check everything in time, well before
it starts actually moving and presents a risk to personal safety and ship stability.

They could alter course if they are being rocked from the side with strong waves and
listing, and instead, face the waves full ahead to minimise instability of cargo that
was already moving, wether the course alteration affects the voyage, you can
prevent loss of life, and perhaps as a last resort that may be done in an emergency.
Reduction in speed would be advisable as well.
If the listing was steady at 35 degrees for a while, shifting ballast to the opposite side
to compensate and reduce the angle, would in theory be a good idea, to minimise.

In retrospect, the ship-owner company should have ensured the Designated Persons
had updated and approved manuals for stowing and securing cargo, and that these
were being followed by properly trained personnel.

Alonso.