On November 11, 2020, about 0910 local time, the bulk carrier GH Storm Cat’s no. 1 crane boom contacted the Zen-Noh Grain Corporation facility in Convent, Louisiana, while the crew was completing corn-loading operations. The vessel was moored starboard side to with a crew of 19. No pollution or injuries were reported. The vessel’s crane was undamaged; damage to the shoreside conveyor gallery was estimated to be $481,006.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the GH Storm Cat’s crane contact with the Zen-Noh grain facility runway was the absence of a dedicated signalman, which led to the ship’s crane operator’s misjudgment of the location of the crane boom while lowering the payloader to the pier.
Vessel Crane Operations
All ships’ crane lifts—no matter how routine—should be adequately planned and risk-assessed. All personnel involved in the lifting operation should be clearly identified and their duties understood before the start of the lift.
