Workboats

ABS updates Fatigue Assessment of Offshore Structures guide

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ABS Guide: Fatigue Assessment of Offshore Structures
ABS Guide: Fatigue Assessment of Offshore Structures

ABS has released its updated Fatigue Assessment of Offshore Structures guide, which incorporates updated approaches for addressing fatigue including new S-N curves and guidance regarding fatigue strength based on fracture mechanics.

Fatigue assessment is a process where the fatigue demand on a structural element is established and compared to the predicted fatigue strength of that element. One way to categorize a fatigue assessment technique is to say that it is based on a direct calculation of fatigue damage or expected fatigue life. Three important methods of assessment are the Simplified Method, the Spectral Method and the Deterministic Method. Alternatively, an indirect fatigue assessment may be performed by the Simplified Method, based on limiting a predicted (probabilistically defined) stress range to be at or below Continue reading “ABS updates Fatigue Assessment of Offshore Structures guide”

Ignition of gas vapor onboard barge Alaganik the cause of fatal explosion reveals NTSB Report

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Barge Alaganik: Photo courtesy of Alex Fefelov for The Cordova Times
Barge Alaganik: Photo courtesy of Alex Fefelov for The Cordova Times

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has published an investigation report on the explosion and subsequent sinking of barge Alaganik in the Canal Passage, off Alaska in July 2019, which resulted in one fatality. The investigation identified ignition of gasoline vapor from a fuel cargo tank as key cause of the accident.

On 7 July 7 2019 an explosion occurred on the barge Alaganik as it was moored port side to the end of the Delong Dock in Whittier, Alaska. The vessel was serving as a platform for pumping fish cargo ashore from fishing vessels and tenders that came alongside. It also provided diesel fuel and gasoline to the fishing vessels. No cargo operations were ongoing when the explosion occurred.

Despite the efforts of shore-based responders to fight the ensuing fire, the vessel eventually sank in 60–80 feet of water. The Continue reading “Ignition of gas vapor onboard barge Alaganik the cause of fatal explosion reveals NTSB Report”

RMI publishes its annual report on marine casualties

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RMI publishes its annual report on marine casualties
RMI publishes its annual report on marine casualties

RMI has published its Annual Report on the investigation of Marine Casualties, revealing that it received reports of 806 very serious marine casualties, marine incidents, and occurrences in 2019. Accidental falls, enclosed space incidents and collisions-groundings during pilotage were the main issues of concern last year.

Specifically, during 2019:

– 17 very serious casualties were reported to the Administrator. Two very serious casualties resulted in the constructive total loss of a ship, while 11 others resulted in the loss of one or more lives. Additionally, four occurred on yachts and resulted in their constructive total loss due to fire.
– Accidental falls were the leading cause of death during 2019, with seven lives lost. Four of these fatalities were the result of falls from height and three were falls overboard. Improper enclosed space entry also resulted in the loss of two seafarers
– There were 331 marine casualties.
– Serious injuries (resulting in incapacitation for 72 hours or more) were by far the most frequently occurring marine Continue reading “RMI publishes its annual report on marine casualties”

Autonomous Barge Master gangway landing solution set to improve safety for offshore structures

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Autonomous Barge Master gangway
Autonomous Barge Master gangway

A new autonomous landing solution for offshore structures, called the Barge Master gangway, is designed to significantly improves both safety and performance.

Through a combination of radar technology, cameras and sensors, Bosch Rexroth’s system automatically attaches the landing from the ship to the required site without the need for manual input. This means that the operation is consistent and reliable, regardless of weather and ocean conditions.

After the automated landing procedure, the Barge Master gangway is held safely in place through a combination of motion compensation and the ship’s dynamic positioning.

“There are a number of benefits to the autonomous landing system,” says Rene Coppens, Business Development Manager for Continue reading “Autonomous Barge Master gangway landing solution set to improve safety for offshore structures”

Washington Maritime Blue leads joint innovation project

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Washington Maritime Blue is leading a joint initiative to develop the Mosquito fleet of fast, fuel efficient ferries
Washington Maritime Blue is leading a joint initiative to develop the Mosquito fleet of fast, fuel efficient ferries

Led by Washington Maritime Blue, a consortium of players in the blue economy has come together to launch a Joint Innovation Project to speed the design of a fast foil ferry, an innovation that promises a leap forward in zero-emissions, high-speed passenger ferry service.

In this unique public-private partnership, three ports in Washington have joined forces to support the effort: Port of Anacortes, Port of Bellingham, and Port of Skagit. The vessel is under design by Glosten, a naval architecture and marine engineering firm, and Bieker Boats, a performance marine craft designer. Kitsap Transit has identified a potential route for its ferry operations and sponsored the team in applying for additional funding to advance the concept. Leading this collaborative joint innovation project effort is Washington Maritime Blue, a strategic alliance formed to foster maritime innovation and sustainability in support of an inclusive blue economy, and DNV GL, a Continue reading “Washington Maritime Blue leads joint innovation project”

New crew transfer vessel get ABS approval in principle

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New crew transfer vessel get ABS approval
New crew transfer vessel get ABS approval

BAR Technologies and Chartwell Marine have secured the Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the design and construction of a new crew transfer vessel (CTV).

BAR, with the support of Chartwell, developed the new crew transfer vessel, a 30m CTV with FOSS technology (foil optimized stability system), said to enhance seakeeping and maneuverability while reducing vertical acceleration by up to 70% in 2.5m wave heights.

This initial vessel will be closely followed by a 50m variant capable of 45kn top speed and 30kn in a 3m high sea, the companies said, adding that the new design will work in partnership with the vessels Continue reading “New crew transfer vessel get ABS approval in principle”

Carriage of Dangerous Goods published by Workboat Association

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The new Carriage of Dangerous Goods on Workboats good practice guide released by the Workboat Association
The new Carriage of Dangerous Goods on Workboats good practice guide released by the Workboat Association

The Workboat Association has published a good practice guide and it is printed and ready for distribution.

“The Carriage of Dangerous Goods on Workboats good practice guide has been developed between the industry and regulators, providing a zero to hero knowledge on both the regulations and best practice associated with the transport of Dangerous Goods by sea on board Workboats,” said Kerrie Forster, Workboat Association CEO.

Written with Seafarers, the vessel management, stakeholders and end-clients all in mind, this guide is set to be an unmissable tool from the education and training of those wishing to operate, work with or contract workboats of any nature.

Continue reading “Carriage of Dangerous Goods published by Workboat Association”

MCA detains six fishing vessels in safety effort due to breaches of legislation

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Fishing vessels detained: Zara Annabel (pictured) has been detailed by MCA surveyors
Fishing vessels detained: Zara Annabel (pictured) has been detailed by MCA surveyors

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has detained a further UK flagged fishing vessel following its failure to get its mandatory intermediate survey done in time. Owners of the scallop dredger, Zara Annabel, have been served with the notice to ensure the vessel makes for the nearest suitable port and to notify the crew that its UK Fishing Vessel Certificate is no longer valid. It brings to a total of six the number of UK flagged fishing vessels detained by the MCA over the past two weeks after being found to be non-compliant with multiple areas of legislation under the Merchant Shipping Act.

The Olivia Jean was detained by MCA surveyors at Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire on 31 July. Earlier in the Continue reading “MCA detains six fishing vessels in safety effort due to breaches of legislation”

AMSA issues a safety alert on fixed fin stabilisers

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Incorrect installation of fixed fin stabilisers can cause serious issues says AMSA
Incorrect installation of fixed fin stabilisers can cause serious issues says AMSA

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a safety alert to raise awareness of the risks associated with the use of fixed fin stabilisers on fishing vessels. It is important to note that incorrect use of fixed fin stabilisers can lead to an accident and even cause a vessel to capsize. Fixed fin stabilisers are also sometimes referred to as batwing stabilisers, anti-roll fins, fixed-arm stabilisers, passive-fin stabilisers, and fixed fins. They are designed to dampen, or reduce, the roll of a vessel, giving it a more comfortable ride in rough weather and possibly even making the vessel run truer. Once installed, fixed fin stabilisers are designed to be lifted up at certain times, such as when operating in shallow waters, crossing a bar, and berthing. Failure to do so carries serious risk. While these stabilisers improve comfort by reducing erratic movement and minimising the roll of a vessel in rough seas, it is of paramount importance to note that they do Continue reading “AMSA issues a safety alert on fixed fin stabilisers”

Triple towboat sinking report published by NTSB

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Towboat wreckage - Triple towboat sinking report published by NTSB
Triple towboat sinking report published by NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has published its report on a towboat sinking incident in which three towboats and an unnamed deck barge sank in the Illinois River while moored at the Jersey County Grain Company facility in Hardin, Ill. No crewmembers were aboard any of the vessels. Approximately 2,800 gallons of diesel fuel were released into the river and mostly recovered. Damage to the vessels, deck barge, and facility totaled an estimated $920,000.

Four vessels were involved in the towboat sinking: the 47-foot-long towing vessel Chattie Sue Smith, built in 1963, the 55-foot-long Mary-R, built in 1964; the 54-foot-long Mary Fern, built in 1978; and the 50-foot-long Teddi B, built in 1989, which was moored with the other vessels on the day of the accident but did not sink. The towboats, all equipped with twin propellers, were moored with a 50-foot-long-by- 18-foot-wide steel deck barge.

On July 5, 2019, the four vessels and the deck barge were moored on the right descending bank of the Illinois River at mile Continue reading “Triple towboat sinking report published by NTSB”

Terror takes to the water: British research vessel cargo tender launched

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The Terror at port - Terror, research vessel, launched
Terror, research vessel cargo tender, launched

Terror, the new 22-tonne cargo tender for the upcoming British research vessel Sir David Attenborough, was recently launched on the Exeter Ship Canal for her maiden voyage and to undergo a series of technical and engineering tests to check sea-worthiness, stability and crane operations.

The cargo tender will play a critical role onboard the polar research ship, Sir David Attenborough, which, in addition to its scientific role, will support the resupply of the five Antarctic research stations operated by British Antarctic Survey.

Terror will transfer food, fuel and science equipment to any locations where the water is too shallow for the new polar ship to approach. Continue reading “Terror takes to the water: British research vessel cargo tender launched”

Report issued by MAIB into the fatal capsize of fishing vessel Anna-Marie II

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The Anna-Maria II before the capsizing - Fatal capsize of fishing vessel Anna-Marie II
Fatal capsize of fishing vessel Anna-Marie II

At about 1550 on 23 September 2019, the 6.2m fishing vessel, Anna-Marie II, capsized as it entered the mouth of the Brora river while returning from its fishing grounds. The vessel broached and was capsized in unusually high waves, resulting in both its skipper and crewman entering the water. Neither was wearing a personal flotation device; the crewman managed to swim ashore but unfortunately the skipper drowned.

Our investigation determined that the skipper struck his head during the capsize, which may have affected his ability to swim. Had the skipper been wearing a lifejacket it would have helped keep his head out of the water and might have increased his likelihood of survival.

Safety issues
Crossing a river bar in a small boat can be extremely hazardous, particularly at low tide in large swells. The skipper’s extensive knowledge of the local Continue reading “Report issued by MAIB into the fatal capsize of fishing vessel Anna-Marie II”

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