2016-2 – Complete Loss of Propulson on a DP Class 2 Vessel
Learning From Incidents
On 28 May 2016, the platform supply vessel (PSV) sustained a complete loss of propulsion while operating near a platform at the Thebaud natural gas field off Sable Island, Nova Scotia. At the time, the vessel was preparing to inspect a natural gas pipeline using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and was maintaining a position near the platform while in dynamic positioning (DP) mode. The winds were westerly at approximately 10 to 12 knots, and the current was south-southeasterly at 0.16 knots. Subsequent to the loss of propulsion, the vessel’s stern made contact with one leg of the platform, and then the blow made contact with another leg of the platform.
While the vessel lost propulsion, a series of alarms sounded indicating that both man engines and all four thrusters had shut down. The engine room was notified immediately. The master took the vessel out of DP mode and attempted to manually control the vessel’s movement through the use of rudders, but this was ineffective without the main engines or thrusters. The No. 1 auxiliary generator remained running, preventing a complete blackout of the vessel. Following the occurrence, the No. 1. Main engine was restored and the vessel was maneuvered away from the platform and outside the 500 metre safety zone, where all propulsion systems were restored. There were no injuries or pollution as a result of the vessel’s contact with the platform.
