No dedicated lookouts on collision vessels

THE INTERIM REPORT of the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch into the 10 March collision between containership Solong and tanker Stena Immaculate has revealed neither vessel had a dedicated lookout on the bridge.

The factual report found as Stena Immaculate approached the Humber Estuary on 9 March, the officer of the watch contacted Associate British Ports Vessel Traffic Services Humber and was advised to proceed to anchor at a position 5 miles to the north of the Humber light float and 2 miles clear of any pipeline. There were eight other vessels anchored in the same area.

By 2000 on 9 March 2025, Solong had departed Grangemouth, Scotland, disembarked the pilot and commenced its passage to Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Solong’s planned passage followed a route the vessel had used in the past. The master remained on watch until shortly before 2300, then handed the watch over to the second officer (2/O) and retired to bed.

Shortly before midnight, Stena Immaculate’s 2/O took over the anchor watch at the start of a 12-hour duty period. At approximately 0130 on 10 March, Solong passed the Longstone Lighthouse off the north-east coast of England and altered course onto a heading of approximately 150°. Solong maintained this course except for a slight deviation at 0345.

While MAIB reports do not attribute blame, the accident has inevitably prompted a phalanx of legal actions.

Stena Bulk Marine Services (USA) and Crowley-Stena Marine Solutions have filed a lawsuit in London’s High Coaurt against MS Solong Schiffahrtsgesellschaft M Co, a subsidiary of Solong’s German owner Ernst Russ, according to court records.

Ernst Russ has set up a fund for potential lawsuits over the collision, and has brought a separate case at the specialist Admiralty Court against the vessel charterer, Samskip, seeking a “limitation of liability”. A spokesman said the fund would be available for, “parties who have verified claims against Solong’s owner.

“The incident occurred in territorial waters of the UK and there are interested parties and potential claimants residing in the UK, such as public authorities, hence the setting up of a fund in the UK is the most appropriate way forward.

“Owners of the Solong are seeking to face claims and ensure a fund is available for any proven claims. This is usual process for large maritime casualties and the fund provides necessary security for potential claimants’ claims.”

The burnt-out Solong has been towed to the Scottish port of Aberdeen, while Stena Immaculate remains at anchor with the AHTS Brage Viking and tug Triton standing by.

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