CROSS and CHIRP issue alert on bridge strikes by large vessels
Iain Hoey
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Safety alert issued on bridge strikes by large vessels: CROSS and CHIRP
CROSS and CHIRP have issued a joint Safety Alert following the March 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
The alert provides recommendations to mitigate the risks of large vessels striking bridges.
The alert highlights guidance for bridge designers, port authorities, and vessel operators.
It addresses how risks have evolved due to changes in maritime transport and climate.
While the probability of bridge strikes remains low, the consequences can include fatalities, infrastructure collapse, economic losses, and environmental damage.
Historical examples of bridge strikes
The alert outlines significant historical bridge strikes.
Between 1960 and 2015, there were 35 major bridge collapses globally, resulting in 342 deaths.
Examples include the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse in Florida in 1980 and the River Volga disaster in Russia in 1983, where 172 people lost their lives.
Recent incidents include the January 2024 damage to the Pont de Sully Bridge in Paris and the March 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.
These incidents demonstrate the ongoing risks posed by evolving vessel sizes and environmental changes.
Bridge vulnerabilities and design considerations
Bridge vulnerabilities depend on structural design and maritime conditions.
Risks include superstructure impacts from increasing vessel sizes and substructure damage during collisions.
The alert recommends periodic risk assessments and integrating protective features such as sacrificial structures or impact-absorbing islands.
Guidance from standards like the Eurocodes and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) emphasises updating risk assessments and design approaches to align with evolving maritime challenges.
Recommendations for risk mitigation
The alert provides detailed recommendations for key stakeholders.
Bridge designers should conduct risk analyses, consider climate impacts, and implement protective measures.
Owners and operators are urged to perform regular risk reviews and liaise with port authorities.
Ship operators should ensure vessel maintenance and conduct scenario planning.
Port authorities are advised to adapt to changing vessel sizes and implement traffic management strategies to prevent collisions.
Autonomous ships and predictive technologies are highlighted as emerging tools for safety management.
CROSS and CHIRP issue alert on bridge strikes by large vessels: Summary
CROSS and CHIRP have issued a safety alert focusing on the risks of large vessels colliding with bridges, following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in March 2024.
Historical examples highlight the severe consequences of such events, including fatalities and infrastructure damage.
The alert recommends periodic risk assessments, updated design standards, and implementing protective features to mitigate risks.
Guidance is provided for bridge designers, owners, and ship operators, with a focus on adapting to evolving maritime challenges and ensuring collaborative planning.
