Transport Malta has printed an investigation report about an incident which resulted in severe damage to 3 crew members throughout upkeep work on the fireplace jockey hydrophore tank on 23 February 2022. The ‘violent’ dislodging of the inspection cowl was the results of a pressurized hydrophore.
Shortly after 1430 on 23 February 2022, three crew members on board the Maltese registered LNG provider Pearl LNG, had been concerned in an accident about 185 nautical miles West Southwest of Saint Nazaire, France. On the time, the crew members had been making an attempt to take away an inspection cowl on one of many vessel’s hydrophores, when the duvet dislodged violently from the hydrophore. This induced a severe damage.
The protection investigation established that the hydrophore was nonetheless pressurised when the duvet was dislodged, with all its securing bolts eliminated. Considering the security actions carried out by the Firm, no suggestions have been issued by the Marine Security Investigation Unit (MSIU).
Evaluation
It was instantly clear to the crew members that the ‘violent’ dislodging of the inspection cowl may solely be the results of a hydrophore whose inside stress (behind the inspection cowl) was increased than atmospheric stress.
Considering the efficient space of the inspection cowl opening and the (residual) stress contained in the hydrophore, the pressure appearing on the inspection cowl on the time of the accident was roughly 2.74 tonnes-force (26.88 kN). This pressure (appearing in opposition to the second engineer’s chest as quickly because the inspection cowl was dislodged), was vital, contemplating additionally that the inspection cowl weighed 54 kg. The protection investigation concluded that previous to the elimination of the inspection cowl, the crew members used air to push the water out of the hydrophore however that was not sufficient to depressurise the vessel.
Conclusions
The ‘violent’ dislodging of the inspection cowl was the results of a pressurised hydrophore.
Previous to the elimination of the inspection cowl, the crew members used air to push the water out of the hydrophore however that was not sufficient to depressurisethe vessel.
The hydrophore’s security valve postaccident popping check confirmed that the valve was caught within the closed place and didn’t open on the set stress of 9.9 bar.
Guide launch of the stress by means of the security valve (by working the connected lever) was not attainable.
Observing no reduction of stress (accompanied with a earlier drop within the water stage noticed within the sight glass), the engineer thought that the hydrophore was at atmospheric stress and due to this fact secure for the engineers to open the inspection cowl.
Actions taken
Through the security investigation, the Firm carried out an inside investigation in accordance with the related necessities of the ISM Code. Following the investigation, the Firm:
Despatched a Fleet Notification on the incidence and issued directions, requiring workplace approval previous to upkeep works on stress vessels.
Has shared the investigation evaluation and classes learnt with the fleet and mentioned them throughout the first month-to-month HSE assembly (on board and ashore) after the investigation was full.
Has included an in depth process for stress vessels inspection and upkeep directions in its Security, High quality and Environmental Administration System.
Has carried out an inside audit on board the vessel.
Has positioned security notices on all stress vessels hatches to stop improper dismantling and to make sure that security bolts stay in place till de-pressurisation is accomplished.
Has facilitated coaching and refresher programs to all crew members serving on board Firm vessels
Has developed tailor made coaching programmes, pushed by particular incidents to emphasise efficient communication. The coaching programme is obligatory for all senior officers and should be accomplished inside 12 months.
Has carried out bodily and digital coaching to all crew members on efficient communication, efficient toolbox, and permit-to-work system.
Has rescheduled the frequency of the security valve operational check on the vessel’s preventive upkeep system.
Has re-evaluated the frequency of the deliberate engineering audits on all vessels within the fleet.
Has requested a each day work planning assembly throughout the fleet to make sure planning of scheduled upkeep works.
Has requested the usage of eye safety throughout all upkeep duties on deck and contained in the engine room.
Required that the corporate briefing type features a dialogue on the accident for a interval of six months.
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Supply: Transport Malta
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