Dear Editor,
The MV Tradewind Passion, a 118m long ship with gross tonnage 5,001 and Dead Weight Tonnage of 7,112 metric tonnes, impacted the Demerara Harbour Bridge at 5:57am on Oct 8, 2022. The public record in newspapers shows an increase in maritime disasters in Guyana with loss or damage of vessels and sometimes loss of life. The last collision with the Bridge was only a month ago.
As the investigation into Satur-day’s accident gets underway, there is data that allows the issue to be examined quickly and with precision. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) used on some ships broadcasts the ship’s speed and direction on internationally recognised frequencies to all in range. The system was setup by the UN Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) Agreement, and used worldwide. AIS data is publicly available to show the following about the MV Tradewind Passion on Oct 8, 2022:
Around 1:30am the vessel left the anchorage near the mouth of and in the Demerara River and sailed south south towards the Harbour Bridge. At 1:49am, approximately 900m from the Bridge, it changed from a heading of 207 degrees and speed of 2.4 knots (4.4 km/ hr) to a heading of 188 degrees to now head towards the opening in the Bridge.
At 1:52am the ship further adjusted its heading further East to 186 degrees and doubled its speed to 5.6 knots. At 1:53am, about 350m from the Bridge it again increased speed to 6.7 knots. At 1:54am no more than 200m from the Bridge it attempted to desperately steer further East on a heading of 180 degrees and a speed of 6.2 knots. It impacted the Bridge at 5:57am.
After mooring in the river opposite Diamond, EBD until 1:50pm it then sailed to moor at the GuyOil Provi-dence Terminal at 2:24pm.
Wider use of AIS in Guyana would allow quick diagnostics of these horribly expensive maritime disasters. It would also allow better monitoring by responsible authorities like MARAD. And could even allow automatic early warning systems based on geofencing to support MARAD, shipping companies, etc. in maintaining safe shipping.
Everyone sees that the oil and gas business in Guyana has greatly increased both shipping and investment in the Demerara River area. Maritime disasters such as Satur-day’s strain the public purse and immediately disrupt local and international trade and commerce, and badly affect the daily lives of citizens. The Government’s efforts to secure a bright future for all would be eroded if management of the shipping sector continues on its present heading.
Sincerely,
(Name and address supplied)