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Bow thruster fault compromises redundancy – DP undesired event

Comments

The vessel was working in an open water situation and there was no loss of position.

Considerations from the above event:

  • Useful reporting of an undesired event that did not result in a loss of position.
  • After an event such as this, planned maintenance routines should be checked to ensure they are adequate.
  • Particulars of the vessel are unknown however it might have been possible to power the two remaining bow thrusters from either side of the switchboard and therefore maintain redundancy with just two bow thrusters.
  • This was a well executed operation that ensured full thruster redundancy options were made available prior to operations resuming.

The following case studies and observations have been compiled from information received by IMCA. All vessel, client, and operational data has been removed from the narrative to ensure anonymity.

Case studies are not intended as guidance on the safe conduct of operations, but rather to assist vessel managers, DP operators and DP technical crew in appropriately determining how to safely conduct their own operations. Any queries should be directed to IMCA at [email protected]. Members and non-members alike are welcome to contact IMCA if they have experienced DP events which can be shared anonymously with the DP industry.

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