Structural Damage
Challenge
Alleged explosion and buckling thereof in cargo tanks.
Action Taken
During voyage, ship allegedly due to explosion in cargo tank, the tank suffered structural damages. After safety compliance, entered cargo tank and examined the damages. From status of damages, explosion could not be ruled out. Very little information was forthcoming from eye witnesses. Thus, doubts were raised; operational records were thoroughly checked, cause ascertained due to improper loading which was not homogenous resulting in high Bending Moments (BM) and Shearing Forces (SF).