“Thrusters Ready? Enhance Your Skills with Our Comprehensive ASOG Analysis!”

A comprehensive review has been carried out to assess incidents that jeopardize DP operations, derive valuable lessons, and prevent future dangerous occurrences. These case studies are sourced from the IMCA DP Event Bulletin.

Overview

This case study analyzes a DP incident on a class 2 MODU during well intervention operations. The unit was in open bus mode, with all four thrusters active and four out of the six generators connected, two on each side.

What occurred?

Engineers requested the DPOs to deselect and stop Thruster No.1 from the DP system due to noise and heavy vibrations reported from its sea water cooling pump, allowing for investigation.

The DPOs consented to the request, cutting the portside thruster capacity to half. About 30 minutes later, a starboard power system blackout led to the loss of Thruster Nos. Two and three.

The DPOs swiftly switched to Manual control, enabling crews to disconnect equipment between the MODU and the platform. The DPOs kept the MODU positioned using the last functioning thruster, thruster 4, from the port redundancy group.

Starboard power was restored, and Thrusters 2 and 3 were operational and reintegrated into the DP control system in 7 minutes. The crew continued the disconnection, and once all end-user equipment was safely removed, the MODU began exiting the 500m zone.

While moving out of the safety zone, the starboard redundancy group had a second blackout, leaving the MODU with just one thruster to exit the 500m zone. The crew safely moved the MODU to a nearby anchorage to perform further diagnostics and repairs.

This oversight not only compromised the safety of the operation but also violated established protocols designed to ensure the integrity of dynamic positioning (DP) operations. The decision to continue operations without Thruster No. 1 and without proper communication regarding the reduced DP capability illustrates a critical lapse in judgment.

In light of these findings, several recommendations are proposed to prevent similar incidents in the future:

  1. Reinforcement of Protocols: It is imperative that all crew members, especially the DPOs and the Master, receive comprehensive training on the importance of adhering to the ASOG and understanding the implications of equipment failures. Clear guidelines must be established to ensure that any loss of redundancy triggers immediate reevaluation of operations.
  2. Improved Communication: A structured communication protocol needs to be implemented to guarantee that any changes in the operational status of the vessel are promptly communicated to all relevant parties. This includes real-time updates on the status of the DP system and any equipment failures that may impact operations.
  3. Regular Maintenance and Checks: A schedule for regular inspections and maintenance of critical systems, such as the sea water cooling pumps, should be established and strictly followed. Additionally, it is essential to have a procedure in place for immediate reporting of any anomalies detected during routine checks.
  4. Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning: A thorough risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential failure points within the DP system and develop contingency plans for various failure scenarios. This will ensure that the crew is prepared to respond effectively in the event of equipment failure.
  5. Implementation of a Safety Management System: It is recommended that the vessel adopts a robust safety management system that includes regular safety drills, incident reporting, and analysis. This will help foster a culture of safety and awareness among the crew.
  6. Independent Audits and Reviews: Regular independent audits of DP operations and crew performance should be conducted to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with safety standards. These audits can provide valuable insights and lead to enhancements in operational procedures.

In conclusion, while the mechanical failure of Thruster 1 was the initiating event, the subsequent actions, or lack thereof, led to a significant safety risk that could have been mitigated through proper adherence to protocols and enhanced communication. By implementing the recommendations outlined above, the potential for similar incidents can be significantly reduced, ensuring the safety of crew and assets during DP operations. The safety of maritime operations relies on a combination of reliable equipment, vigilant crew members, and adherence

Abone ol

Loading

(33)

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Yorum
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop