The preliminary findings of the investigation into the loss of the MOL Comfort when she broke in two in mid-June have been announced. Based on the presence of water-ingress in the bottom of the vessel’s midship at the outset of the casualty, the fracture in the vessel’s hull is considered to have originated from the bottom part of the vessel.

Hull strength and loads at the time of the accident were assessed in order to investigate how the fracture occurred and progressed. Structural hull capacity was analyzed using non-linear finite element 3-hold modelling, and dynamic wave loads including whipping effects were also analyzed. Weather, sea state and cargo loading condition data from the vessel’s previous voyages are being investigated to estimate the loads acting on the vessel. In addition, structural inspections were conducted on the sister vessels of the MOL Comfort.

During the inspections of the sister vessels, buckling type deformations measuring approximately 20mm in height were observed on the bottom shell plates in the vicinity of the centre line of the midship area. However, it remains unclear at this stage as to whether this type of deformation could have served as a trigger for the casualty. Reinforcement work to increase the hull strength of the sister vessels is already being carried out as a preventative safety measure.