Environment

Stainless steel bolts at offshore facility fail due to corrosion cracking

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A number of strain-hardened, Type 304 stainless steel bolts, (ASTM A193 B8, Class 2) failed unexpectedly at an offshore facility
A number of strain-hardened, Type 304 stainless steel bolts, (ASTM A193 B8, Class 2) failed unexpectedly at an offshore facility

The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) published an alert regarding an unexpected failure of certain kinds of strain-hardened Type 304 stainless steel bolts. The failure happened at an offshore facility during a pneumatic leak test of gas piping exiting a test separator.

The incident
A number of strain-hardened, Type 304 stainless steel bolts, (ASTM A193 B8, Class 2) failed unexpectedly at an offshore facility while a pneumatic leak test of gas piping exiting a test separator was being conducted.

Strain-hardening austenitic stainless steel nuts and bolts to increase their strength may increase their sensitivity to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC) and reduce their safe upper temperature limit. Other factors such as Continue reading “Stainless steel bolts at offshore facility fail due to corrosion cracking”

Recent marine bollard failures give USCG cause for concern

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There have been a number of shore side marine bollard failures whereby moored vessels were cast adrift
There have been a number of shore side marine bollard failures whereby moored vessels were cast adrift

The USCG issued an alert informing that recently, there have been a number of shore side marine bollard failures whereby moored vessels were cast adrift. In some cases, this resulted in damage to the involved vessel, as well as other nearby vessels and shore side structures, the USCG warned.

Neither the USCG nor the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulatory oversight over these items. In several cases, the underlying deficient material condition of the bollards was unknown until the failures occurred.

Key causes include:
– the rotting of organic bollards made of marine pilings,
– the undetected fracture of bollard castings due to manufacturer defects,
damage from previous overloads, or
– the degradation of bollard foundations and fasteners.

Typically, the failures are associated with abnormal dynamic loads transferred to the bollard from a vessel. The abnormal loads are oftentimes caused by Continue reading “Recent marine bollard failures give USCG cause for concern”

Ethylene vapors activate carbon monoxide alarm says safety alert

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A certified marine chemist traced the source of the vapors to an eight inch crack on a cargo vapor line
A certified marine chemist traced the source of the vapors to an eight inch crack on a cargo vapor line

The USCG has published a safety alert informing marine inspectors that ethylene vapors on LNG carriers can activate Carbon Monoxide alarms. Specifically, during an examination of a LNG carrier whose cargo tanks contained ethylene vapors, PSC Officers (PSCOs) received alarms on their portable four gas meters giving a reading of 60 to 100 parts per-million (PPM) Carbon Monoxide (CO).

A certified marine chemist traced the source of the vapors to an eight inch crack on a cargo vapor line. PSCOs initially thought the alarm was related to a combustion event and did not suspect the ethylene vapors were the source, because they did not get a Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) reading on their monitors.

The chemist indicated that the LEL most likely never alarmed because of high winds on deck. He further explained that the molecular weight of Ethylene (28 g/mol) was identical to the molecular weight of CO which accounted for the CO PPM readings. USCG personnel contacted the manufacturer who confirmed that Continue reading “Ethylene vapors activate carbon monoxide alarm says safety alert”

Sinking raises safety issues on bilge alarms

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The failure of engine cooling system pipework is one of the most common causes of flooding on small fishing vessels
The failure of engine cooling system pipework is one of the most common causes of flooding on small fishing vessels

In its latest Safety Digest, the UK MAIB provides learnings about an 8.13m fibreglass fishing vessel that was engaged in picking up its fleets of creels when it began to take on water and subsequently sank. The skipper, who was working alone, managed to deploy the boat’s liferaft and climb into it as the boat was sinking and was later rescued without injuries.

The incident
The skipper went out to sea shortly after daybreak to recover his two fleets of creels. The weather was good. As soon as he arrived at the fishing grounds, he hauled in the first fleet of creels and stowed it on the aft end of the deck. He then headed at speed toward the second fleet of creels.

Continue reading “Sinking raises safety issues on bilge alarms”

INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty report published

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INTERCARGO has published its Bulk Carrier Casualty report that analyses bulk carrier casualties over the period from 2008 to 2017
INTERCARGO has published its Bulk Carrier Casualty report that analyses bulk carrier casualties over the period from 2008 to 2017

INTERCARGO has published its Bulk Carrier Casualty report that analyses bulk carrier casualties over the period from 2008 to 2017. The report revealed that 53 bulk carriers over 10,000 dwt have been identified as total losses over that period with cargo shift and liquefaction remaining a great concern.

In 2017, the tragic losses of ‘Stellar Daisy’ carrying an iron ore cargo and ‘Emerald Star’ with a nickel ore cargo raised questions of structural integrity and safety condition of high density cargoes carried onboard. These two bulk carrier casualties caused the loss of 32 seafarers, the highest annual loss of lives since 2011.

As the report reveals, 9 casualties of suspected cargo failure consisted of 6 bulk carriers carrying nickel ore from Indonesia, 2 vessels with Continue reading “INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty report published”

Are ‘Smart Bolts’ the thing of the future?

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Intelligent wireless bolts in wind turbines or satellites may be able to let the operator know when something is wrong
Intelligent wireless bolts in wind turbines or satellites may be able to let the operator know when something is wrong

In the future, intelligent wireless bolts in wind turbines or satellites may be able to let the operator know when something is wrong. This could reduce the risk of human injuries and save cost.

A research team at NTNU in Gjøvik is working to create bolts that send an alert when something is not as it should be or when maintenance is needed. Each bolt must be able to contact a control center, which will receive messages from all intelligent bolts of this type in all installations around the world.

The team working on these wireless bolts includes Professor Michael Cheffena, two fellows and the manufacturer Dokka Fasteners. The vision of the research team is to develop wireless sensors to be installed inside the bolts. If the sensors detect that something is Continue reading “Are ‘Smart Bolts’ the thing of the future?”

IACS publishes its 2017 Annual Review

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Knut Orbeck-Nilssen IACS Chairman
Knut Orbeck-Nilssen IACS Chairman

Quality, modernisation and transparency have been the three fundamental themes of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) during DNV GL’s Chairmanship, and this approach is widely reflected in IACS’ 2017 Annual Review which was presented in London by IACS Chairman Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen.

Looking back at IACS’ development and successes over the past year, Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen said that during these dynamic times, both IACS and it’s twelve Member societies need to act as a guide for the shipping industry, identifying the path for others to follow.

Continue reading “IACS publishes its 2017 Annual Review”

DNV GL publishes its review of marine fuel alternatives

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Image courtesy of DNV GL
Image courtesy of DNV GL

Class society DNV GL has published an up-to-date assessment of the most promising alternative marine fuels available today. The study is timely, as the 2020 fuel sulfur cap is fast approaching and the IMO has just decided to aim for a 50 percent cut in shipping’s carbon emissions.

The paper examines the prospects for the full range of alternatives – LNG, LPG, methanol, biofuel, hydrogen, fuel cells, wind and battery technologies – and it compares them to the use of conventional fuel, both Continue reading “DNV GL publishes its review of marine fuel alternatives”

IMO adopts climate change strategy for shipping

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Nations met at the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London recently
Nations met at the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London recently

Nations meeting at the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London recently have adopted an initial strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships, setting out a vision to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping and phase them out, as soon as possible in this century.

The vision confirms IMO’s commitment to reducing GHG emissions from international shipping and, as a matter of urgency, to phasing them out as soon as possible.

Continue reading “IMO adopts climate change strategy for shipping”

Wind Propulsion is an Essential Tool in Shipping’s Decarbonisation Efforts says the International Windship Association

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Wind Propulsion is an Essential Tool in Shipping’s Decarbonisation Efforts
Wind Propulsion is an Essential Tool in Shipping’s Decarbonisation Efforts

The International Windship Association, along with its 40-plus member companies and organisations is positioned to help the shipping industry meet urgent and ambitious carbon reduction targets to be set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at MEPC72.

There is a wide range of wind-assist and primary wind propulsion technology solutions that offer between 10-30% savings for retrofits, and up to 50% on smaller new built fully optimised vessels. Wind is a primary renewable energy that is free at point of use, abundant and exclusively available giving the vessel better commercial and operational autonomy.

Continue reading “Wind Propulsion is an Essential Tool in Shipping’s Decarbonisation Efforts says the International Windship Association”

Standard P&I Club issues a guide to fire safety on ferries

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Standard P&I Club issues a guide to fire safety on ferries
Standard P&I Club issues a guide to fire safety on ferries

A fire is one of the most frightening things that can happen at sea. Often, seafarers have no ready access to the
emergency services when a fire breaks out and will need to rely on their own resources, courage and training to tackle and extinguish the blaze quickly to ensure the safety of the ship and everyone on board. To help Standard P&I Club has issued a guide to fire safety on ferries.

There are numerous causes of fire but the most relevant to ferries are:
– Electrical defects, such as overloaded electrical equipment, damaged cables and poorly formed connections. – Electrical faults in vehicles, especially when engines are hot/running. Reefer containers are major sources of fire.
– Mechanical failure, such as ignition from overheated bearings or a catastrophic engine failure.
– Uncontrolled release of oil or flammable liquid coming into contact with a hot surface, or the release of a low flashpoint fuel, such as petrol vapour, coming into contact with a source of ignition.
– Dry, readily combustible materials (such as wood, paper, textiles) coming into contact with an ignition source, such as a lighted cigarette, sparks or conducted heat from burning or cutting, highintensity lights or defective electrical equipment.

Continue reading “Standard P&I Club issues a guide to fire safety on ferries”

Improper securing arrangement of sea strainer cover leads to vessel capsizing

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Improper securing arrangement of sea strainer cover leads to vessel capsizing
Improper securing arrangement of sea strainer cover leads to vessel capsizing

Shipowners P&I Club has issued a case study about the capsizing of a vessel due to a loose port side sea strainer. Whilst double banked alongside another tug for four months awaiting a placement in dry dock, a harbour tug suddenly developed a list to port. Crew on board at the time quickly investigated to try and determine the point of water ingress, but struggled as the water level reached approximately 1 metre in height in the flooded engine room.

As the engine room crew tried to establish and stop the source of ingress, the deck crew were adjusting the mooring ropes to keep the vessel safely alongside as the vessel listed further to port. Eventually, the master took the decision to abandon the vessel as it was no longer safe to remain on board.

Continue reading “Improper securing arrangement of sea strainer cover leads to vessel capsizing”

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