Quarterly October 2004 - Odfjell

Vessel of the issueNCC BahaA Spanish-Arabian beautyBy Captain Hector ConnellNCC Baha was built at the Astilleros shipyardin Spain, originally as the ‘Portela’ for aBrazilian owner. Although the keel of thevessel was laid in 1982 she did not come intoservice until 1988, and thus, she is not quite asold as her build date suggests. The vessel hasbeen commercially operated through Odfjellsince 1989, first as ‘Fjellanger’ (Westfal-Larsen), then for a few months as ‘Bow Falcon’(Odfjell) before NCC took ownership in June1990 and gave her the current name. Since1999 Mideast Ship Management has beenresponsible for technical management.NCC Baha is powered by a 7,890 BHP slowspeeddiesel, with a service speed of 14knots. She has 21 cargo tanks, of which 11are of stainless steel, fitted with ‘Svanhoj’hydraulically driven deep-well pumps. Forextra commercial flexibility, four of theoriginal ballast tanks have been modified toenable the carriage of cargo.The current complement of 22 men comprisesa truly international team: British Master,Croatian Chief Officer, Australian ChiefEngineer, South African Second Engineer,and the balance of officers and ratingbeing Filipino. Several of the crewmembershave served previously on the ship, and themanning stability facilitates maintaining thestandard of condition and operation of thevessel.This year NCC Baha has been operatingbetween North Europe and South America,and she has also completed voyages to theMiddle East, India and South Africa. Visitsto the Middle East offer the welcomedopportunity for visits on board from themanagement office, which enhances a closercontact both professionally and socially.The NCC Baha crew ready for some off-duty fun.Vessel operations give the officers and crew avariety of seamanship challenges, with diversecargoes and navigation to small ports in remotecountries. The NCC Baha is almost continuouslyfully loaded, loading and discharging in eachport of call, which puts extra demands withregard to normal shipboard maintenance.The weather conditions are adding to thecrew’s challenges, as the vessels are runningalmost continually in a hostile environmentto new coating applications. The size of theship results in seawater being shipped on deckeven in moderate seas, and every weatherwindowof opportunity must be taken to carryon the constant battle against the elements.Some of the favourite pastimes at sea arewatching films and playing computer games.We have a fully equipped gymnasium onboard, but it is not used so much. At timesthe gym could be mistaken for a sauna due tothe heat generated by two washing machinesand two tumble-driers. Regrettably there is noroom for table tennis on board as this is oftena favourite with our Filipino crew. Writingletters seems to be a thing of the past notingthe very small amount of mail that is eithersent or received. When in port and withincellphone range, the ‘in’ thing is now to talkdirectly with family and friends or to sendSMS messages. E-mail facilities for the crewhave also changed the traditional mode ofcommunication with friends and family.The implementation of the ISPS Code as fromJuly this year has put an extra burden on thealready overloaded duties of the seafarer. Ithas also severely restricted the chances forshore-leaves. Those on board hope that withsome refinement, the system may adaptsomewhat to needs of the seafarer’s limitedtime for recreation. Whenever possible, goingashore is still a preferred pastime. Duringdry-docking and repair periods, visits to localplaces of interest are always arranged forthe officers and crew. These visits are wellreceived, and the benefits to crew morale andproductivity are clearly apparent.odfjell quarterly 15