MacGregor’s Commitment to Safety Highlighted at the Safety4Sea Forum in Greece

MacGregor recently participated in the well-attended Safety4Sea Forum in Greece, receiving positive feedback for our contributions to enhancing maritime safety. Our Deck Machinery-focused presentation emphasised the importance of safety solutions and the need to address industry-wide concerns through a holistic approach.

Anchor Safety: Addressing Industry Challenges

One of the key highlights of the presentation was the growing issue of anchor loss. As lost anchors rank among the top 5 causes of hull and machinery claims, this issue represents a significant financial and operational burden on ship operators. Anchor loss can be attributed to various factors, including heavy weather conditions and communication gaps during anchoring operations.

It was emphasised that in many cases, the environmental conditions at anchorages exceed the design limits of anchoring equipment, which is typically built to withstand maximum wind velocities of 25 m/s, current velocities of 2.5 m/s, and no waves. This disparity between design parameters and real-world conditions often leads to operational challenges. Additionally, busy ports, proximity to other vessels, and the stress of delivery deadlines contribute to increased risks.

To address these challenges, MacGregor has developed a range of solutions, including intelligent control blocks and roller chain stoppers, which help mitigate the risk of overloading anchor motors and ensure that the anchor chain remains securely connected to the vessel. These systems detect overloads and make real-time adjustments, safeguarding the equipment and preventing operational failures. Furthermore, automated anchor handling systems, featuring reliable sensors and actuators, provide continuous assessment of environmental factors such as wind, tide, and current, allowing for more informed decision-making during anchoring operations.

Mooring Safety: A Human-Centred Approach

The importance of mooring safety was also underscored, as 95% of personal injury incidents are caused by ropes and wires, with 65% of these injuries occurring during mooring operations. These statistics highlight the urgent need for improved safety practices and better-designed equipment.

MacGregor’s human-centred designs focus on minimising the risks associated with mooring. For example, our remote controllers allow operators to position themselves at a safe distance from ropes and winches while still maintaining full control of the mooring operation. This significantly reduces the likelihood of injury. Additionally, our load monitoring systems help operators avoid overstressing the mooring lines, further enhancing operational safety.

Mooring operations are subject to new regulations, such as the IMO SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-8 and the OCIMF MEG-4 Guidelines, which place a stronger emphasis on the strength, arrangement, and maintenance of mooring equipment. MacGregor is fully aligned with these guidelines and offers advanced solutions to help ship operators meet the latest safety standards.

Continuous Improvement and Commitment to Safety

MacGregor’s ongoing commitment to safety is evident in our continuous efforts to innovate and improve our solutions. Whether through our automated anchor handling systems, intelligent control blocks, or human-centred mooring designs, we remain dedicated to making maritime operations safer and more efficient.

The positive reception of our presentation at the Safety4Sea Forum reflects our role as industry leaders in safety solutions. Our focus on safety, efficiency, and innovation continues to reinforce our position as a trusted partner in the maritime industry. By addressing both the technical and human factors involved in anchoring and mooring operations, we are helping to reduce risks, prevent incidents, and promote safer practices across the industry.

If you have any questions, please contact our experts: Athena Kanellatou, Thomas Kappel, Thomas Heinrich, or Christian Heyden. We would be happy to discuss how we can further improve the safety and efficiency of your operations.