Ro-Pax Ferry EXCELLENT connecting port of Genoa, Barcelona and Tangier hit container terminal pier at around 0700 UTC Oct 31, while maneuvering in Barcelona port to dock, on arrival. Bad weather and stormy wind presumably, caused the accident. Maneuvering was strange, indeed. Ferry approached her designated dock, then drifted back, turned and headed for port’s entrance. Probably, it was decided to abort berthing or wait for tugs, because it was too difficult to keep the ship under control.
Ferry hit pier and literally, knocked down gantry crane. 6 containers on pier said to be crashed, sparks ignited flammable cargo inside container/containers. Fire was extinguished by city fire engines, ferry was taken under control and berthed. Reportedly she suffered strbd bow hull damages.
Stormy weather alone can’t explain the accident, there was obviously, mishandling of the situation by maybe, both Master and Pilot.
FleetMon Vessel Risk Rating: https://www.fleetmon.com/services/vessel-risk-rating/
