​On July 20, 2024, about 2215 local time, the Canada-flagged cargo vessel Algoma Discovery struck five of the loading shuttles at the BNSF Allouez Taconite Facility, in Superior, Wisconsin, after losing electrical power and main propulsion while docking. There were no injuries, and no pollution was reported. Damage to the facility was estimated at $950,000, and damage to the Algoma Discovery was estimated at $130,000.

​We determined that the probable cause of the contact of the bulk carrier Algoma Discovery with the BNSF Allouez Taconite Facility was the chief engineer and operating company not sufficiently evaluating and repairing the cause of an online generator’s previous automatic voltage regulator malfunction, resulting in the vessel’s loss of electrical power and propulsion while maneuvering toward the dock, and subsequent low control air pressure, which led to a second loss of propulsion.​

​​Mitigating Risks of Electrical Generating System Failures While Maneuvering

Electrical generating system failures during maneuvering can result in a loss of propulsion and steering. Therefore, mitigating the loss of electrical power is paramount in restricted waters or during maneuvering, where immediate hazards (grounding, traffic, objects) are in proximity, and therefore, response time is critical to avoiding a casualty. Electrical generating system components, such as generators, should be tested to full capacity (or as close to full capacity as possible) following any maintenance or repair to ensure that they can meet electrical demand while the vessel is being maneuvered. Additionally, when electrical system failures cannot be completely resolved, the implementation of alternate measures to ensure a safe transit should be considered, such as the use of tugs to assist in maneuvering or docking.