Dutch manager ASM Maritime has barred its ships from using the Needles Channel off the UK following a grounding last year.
The 17,100-dwt Liberia-flag chemical tanker Chem Alya (built 2009) got stuck on 25 October last year.
The UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said the vessel departed from the buoyed channel and grounded on the Shingles Bank while heading from Fawey to Alexandria in Egypt.
There were no injuries or pollution and the vessel, which was undamaged, was refloated later that evening.
A preliminary assessment by the MAIB found that, while recognising the Needles was a challenging route, the Chem Alya’s bridge team did not work effectively together or make full use of the ship’s electronic chart system.
The passage plan did not consider an IMO resolution recommending that laden tankers of more than 10,000 gt do not use the channel “due to tidal problems and the apparent movement of the sand banks.”
ASM Maritime has taken measures to improve the future safe operation of their vessels by prohibiting them from using the Needles Channel, MAIB confirmed.
The company has also implemented procedures intended to improve navigational practices and has begun a programme of bridge team management refresher training for all deck officers.
The MAIB has written to Associated British Ports to advise the harbour authority to review the information provided by its pilots and VTS operators to vessels intending to use the Needles Channel.
The agency wants attention drawn to the IMO resolution.
The tanker was carrying 13,213 tonnes of carbon black feedstock, with a crew of 22 on board.
