An early morning collision in Gibraltar's western anchorage has reignited crucial conversations surrounding maritime safety and pilotage requirements for vessels departing the area. At approximately 1 a.m. local time on March 18, 2025, the LNG carrier SM Kestrel made contact with the anchored bulk carrier Diamond Star II. The incident occurred as the SM Kestrel, owned by Korea Line, which is chartered by global LNG giant Shell, was maneuvering to exit the anchorage.
Port authorities confirmed that the collision resulted in no injuries, no pollution, and only minimal damage to both vessels, which were Panama-flagged and remained at anchor after the incident. "No injuries have been sustained, no pollution has been caused and neither of the two vessels have suffered any significant damage," a spokeswoman for the Gibraltar government stated. Both vessels were attended to by surveyors from their respective class and flag at the earliest opportunity.
The SM Kestrel, a 174,000-cbm vessel built in 2023, emphasizes the growing concern for operational safety in the busy waters of Gibraltar. The Diamond Star II, built in 2011 and owned by Stellar Ocean Transport from the UAE, was anchored at the time of the impact. It was noted that both vessels would undergo inspections by various relevant authorities, including the Gibraltar Maritime Administration (GMA).
This incident comes on the heels of another collision in 2022, where the bulk carrier OS 35 collided with the LNG carrier Adam LNG. That previous incident resulted in the OS 35 grounding and breaking apart, ultimately leading to a significant oil spill that required a prolonged wreck removal operation lasting ten months.
The probing into the incidents highlights a significant issue: Currently, vessels departing Gibraltar’s waters are not mandated to have a pilot onboard. This policy has drawn increased scrutiny in light of investigations from the GMA and findings from the 2022 collision, which concluded that had a pilot been present, the accident would "very likely" have been avoided. This stark contrast raises alarm bells among maritime safety advocates, noting that approximately 8,700 pilotage operations occur annually in Gibraltar, with no significant collisions involving piloted vessels requiring formal investigation in the past 15 years.
The local NGO Environmental Safety Group has called for the Gibraltar government to implement safety recommendations that emerged from the previous OS 35 incident, notably improving pilotage protocols. Additionally, the government is looking into the necessity for conducting a broader independent navigation risk assessment of the British Gibraltar Territorial Waters as part of their considerations moving forward.
Amid these developments, the Gibraltar authorities confirmed they are exploring several options, including everything from enhancing bridge team training to improving vessel traffic services (VTS) procedures. The possible introduction of compulsory pilotage for vessels departing from Gibraltar's anchorage is among the measures under discussion. Such changes reflect an ongoing commitment to not only adhere to international maritime safety standards but also to ensure that the region's waters remain safe for navigation.
As the maritime community watches closely, the necessity of addressing these concerns remains paramount. Gibraltar's geographical location as a busy shipping hub means its regulations can significantly influence maritime safety protocols across the Mediterranean. The outcomes of this collision, alongside the recommendations from independent reviews, could redefine how vessels operate in these crucial waters.
In conclusion, with the ongoing evaluation of safety measures in the aftermath of the SM Kestrel and Diamond Star II incident, it is clear that steps must be taken to balance operational efficiency with the steadfast commitment to maritime safety. As the local government continues to weigh its options, ensuring a safer navigational environment will remain a critical area of focus in the wake of these incidents.
