Incident Information on Crankpin Bearing Running Hot

A ship was alongside in port when the main engine was started, and the oil mist detector gave a warning alarm. When opening up the crank case a hot crankpin bearing was found. The crankshaft was found to be seriously damaged in way of one crankpin, causing the vessel to be put off hire for more than a month before resuming operation.

2013.12.20 - Incident Information on Crankpin Bearing Running Hot

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Arctic Drilling Design and Operation Standards

The following information is an extract from PEW recommendations on Arctic Oil Spill Prevention, Response, and Safety in the U.S. Arctic Ocean published during September 2013. The design of the drilling rig, the blowout preventer, or BOP, and cementing practices are all essential to safe drilling operations and accident prevention. Drilling rigs must be designed and operated to meet the Arctic conditions they will encounter. Due to the remote nature of Arctic drilling operations, rigs must be self-sufficient and carry a minimum level of well control materials such as drilling mud, cement, and extra fuel.

2013.11.06 - Arctic Drilling Design and Operation Standards Figure 1

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How a Launch Test Failure Improved Freefall Lifeboat Safety

A few months ago PSA issued a new journal providing valuable information on some of the most relevant issues and challenges that are being faced by the oil & gas industry in the field of safety. The following information is an extract from PSA’s journal “Dialogue” regarding a freefall lifeboat test on an offshore platform.

2013.12.17 - How a Launch Test Failure Improved Freefall Lifeboat Safety

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Thermal Oil Heater Explosion Onboard Oil Tanker – Investigation Report

This investigation report refers to the explosion of two oil-fired thermal oil heaters onboard an oil tanker. The explosion seriously injured three crew members and severely damaged the thermal oil heater and surrounding equipment and fittings. The injured crew members received only rudimentary first aid on board. Shore-based emergency paramedics attended the ship and the injured crew members were evacuated by helicopter for treatment and recuperation.

2013.12.16 - Thermal Oil Heater Explosion Onboard Chemical Tanker - Investigation Report Figure 1

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Tour on Livestock Carrier

Buoys and Maintenance

Grounding of Oil Tanker Due to Strong Winds at Syros, Greece

A tanker scheduled for Dry Docking in Neorion Shipyards was grounded in the early morning hours of Friday (03:15 LT) in the maritime region of Azolimnos Syros. The Liberian flagged Oil Tanker “ALIAKMON” (L=213,4m / B=32,29m / GRT=35711 t / DWT=61284t) was moored waiting to get in the drydock. Because of the strong winds in the area it was led astray and “stuck” on the rocks.

Oil Tanker Grounding due to Strong Winds at Syros, Greece Figure 1

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Incident Information on Loss of Main Electrical Power at Sea

This incident information refers to loss of main electrical power onboard a bulk carrier and while at sea. The vessel had completed heavy weather preparations on deck, when she approached a forecasted storm with force 8-9 and waves up to 7 metres. Shortly after running into the storm the fire alarm sounded, a black out occurred and the main engine stopped.

2013.12.13 - Incident Information on Loss of Main Electrical Power at Sea Figure 1

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Selecting and Using ECDIS

ECDIS is nothing more than a computer based navigation system that complies with IMO regulations and can be used as an alternative to paper navigation charts. Integrating a variety of real time information, ECDIS is an automated decision aid, capable of continuously determining a vessel’s position in relation to land, charted objects, navigation aids and unseen hazards.

2013.12.12 - Selecting and Using ECDIS Figure 1

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Paris MoU Detention Report for Chemical Tanker MT Gorgonilla

During a voyage of M/V Gorgonilla from Gibraltar via the Kiel Canal to Kalundborg, after passing the locks in Brunsbüttel there was a blackout and a shutdown of the main engine. The vessel went alongside in Brunsbüttel 08.02.2010. The ships crew announced the very poor technical condition of the ship and asked for help and support. On the same day an overriding PSC inspection has been carried out.

2013.12.11 - Paris MoU Detention Report for Chemical Tanker MT Gorgonilla Figure 1

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