This abstract relies on the Marine Accident Investigation Department (MAIB) investigation into a hearth and subsequent energy loss on board a roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel at King George Dock, Hull, in September 2021.
What Occurred
Throughout departure, a hearth broke out within the auxiliary engine room. The vessel misplaced propulsion and electrical energy. Tug help enabled the vessel to be safely re-berthed, and the hearth was finally extinguished. The auxiliary engine room sustained vital harm, although there have been no accidents.
Why It Occurred
The fireplace originated when mechanical failures in one of many auxiliary engines prompted exhaust gases to leak onto a versatile gas hose. The hose subsequently failed, releasing pressurised gas that ignited upon contact with scorching exhaust surfaces. The hose itself had been put in throughout a modification, was not of the right specification, and had been positioned inappropriately with out classification approval or oversight.
Compounding the occasion, the emergency diesel generator didn’t provide energy attributable to a fault in its circuit breaker, which left the vessel with out emergency techniques at a important time. The fastened carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing system was additionally ineffective due to a faulty versatile hose meeting and leaks within the pilot system.
Crew actions through the launch of CO₂ didn’t align with customary procedures, decreasing its effectiveness. General, the mix of technical failures, inappropriate system modifications, and procedural weaknesses contributed to the severity of the incident.
Actions Taken
Following the investigation, the MAIB issued security bulletins warning the broader trade about dangers posed by faulty and improperly put in versatile hoses in each gas and fire-extinguishing techniques. Service suppliers and suppliers reviewed and amended procurement, high quality management, and testing processes for hose assemblies to strengthen oversight and reliability. Suggestions had been additionally directed to flag authorities and classification societies to enhance necessities for testing fastened fire-extinguishing techniques, enhancing service provider approval requirements, and strengthening emergency energy provide verification. As well as, procedural enhancements for onboard response, crew coaching, and emergency drills had been highlighted as mandatory corrective measures.
Classes Realized
System modifications should be formally accepted and assessed for security dangers earlier than implementation.
Versatile gas hoses needs to be prevented the place potential; if used, they should be of accepted high quality, appropriately routed, and adequately protected.
Fireplace-extinguishing and emergency energy techniques require common purposeful testing, not solely visible inspections.
Crew drills needs to be lifelike, frequent, and aligned with emergency procedures to make sure appropriate actions below stress.
Stronger oversight from classification societies, service suppliers, and operators is crucial to uphold worldwide security requirements.
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Supply: MAIBInvReport
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