SUB-COMMITTEE ON STABILITY AND LOAD LINES AND ON ...

SLF 54/INF.10
Page 2
Observation
4 In addition to the increasing number of "lessons" learned, there seems to be a
growing need to address the whole issue in a satisfactory manner. Revisiting previous
submissions to this Sub-Committee, Germany would like to quote again two paragraphs from
its previous document submitted in 2005 (SLF 48/4/8).
"Recent accidents with large container ships have shown that dangerous situations
from heavy rolling can also occur in head seas at slow speed, a situation that has
traditionally been considered as safe and suitable for riding out a severe storm.
Parametric resonance has been found as the explanation for the heavy rolling in this
situation.
Excessive stability has become a frequent occurrence on container ships and
ro-ro ships designed for large deck loads, when operating in part deck load
conditions. This condition makes those ships vulnerable in beam seas due to the risk
of harmonic resonances."
5 Unfortunately, the then described observation of excessive stability causing
safety problems is still valid. The latest related file covers two accidents: one occurred
on 15 September 2009 on the CMV CCMI GUAYA off Hong Kong, and the other
on 16 October 2009 CMV FRISIA LISSABON off Borkum on the Westerems, with observed
high accelerations (excessive stability). The report is attached in the annex.
6 This matter continues to cause great concern in Germany.
Action requested of the Sub-Committee
7 The Sub-Committee is invited to consider the information provided and take action
as appropriate.
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