Summary:
On August 5, 2018, at 09:30 pm local time (UTC +2), during the berthing manoeuvre of the cargo ship STI Poplar at the liquid cargo transfer terminal in the Vlaška Channel within the Port of Ploče, the vessel collided with the berth.
The marine accident occurred in the final phase of the stern-first berthing manoeuvre when all attempts to stop the vessel’s movement towards the berth—using the main engine, rudder, bow thruster, and a port tug—were unsuccessful. As a result, the vessel’s starboard stern section struck the western mooring and support structure, causing it to sink along with the attached port light and access platform. Shortly after, the same section of the vessel impacted and damaged the service platform with cargo transfer arms.
The incident resulted in significant damage to the tanker berth, including the sinking of the concrete mooring and support structure with the port light, damaged piles and access platform, and a damaged service platform with cargo transfer arms. The vessel sustained minor damage to the external plating of its stern section. Aside from these damages, there were no injuries or fatalities, no marine or environmental pollution, and no damage to the vessel’s cargo.
Considering the case analysis, the measures taken after the incident, and the conclusions of this report—as well as the fact that the ship’s operating company changed following the incident—the Accident Investigation Agency for Air, Marine, and Railway Transport has issued no safety recommendations.