Bow thruster tripped due to lack of power
- DP Event
- Published on 13 September 2016
- Generated on 2 January 2026
- DPE 03/16
- 1 minute read
Undesired event
The seat for the stop solenoid on the engine was damaged causing a slight air leak causing a reduction in main engine rpm.
Comments
The seat for the stop solenoid on the port main engine was damaged causing a slight air leak past it, this acting on the stop cylinder piston caused a reduction in main engine rpm. The reduction in rpm caused a low voltage alarm followed by breaker trip and low frequency alarm. Power was lost to bow thruster No.3 due to a breaker trip on the switchboard, the port azimuth thruster was not affected as the clutch out rpm was not reached.
The vessel has reduced the inspection interval of the stop solenoid valves from annual to six months.
Considerations
The vessel did not appear to reach its worst case failure (WCF) and although DP redundancy was effective precautionary measures were initiated.
Latest DP incidents
-
Simultaneous Operations
A DP Incident report highlighting the importance of maintaining focus during time on the DP desk
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Incident
-
DP drill scenario
DP emergency drill scenarios are included to assist DP vessel management and DPOs / Engineers and ETOs to conduct DP drills onboard.
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Drill Scenario
-
Know your settings
This Dynamic Positioning (DP) incident involved a DP equipment class 2 offshore supply vessel (OSV) during loadout operations from a drilling rig.
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Incident
-
Importance of familiarisation and paying attention
The importance of maintaining full attention during the operator's time on the DP desk can never be underestimated, or forgotten
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Incident
-
Worst case failure preparedness
Operators must be prepared for worst case failures
DPE 03/25
18 December 2025
Incident
The case studies and observations above 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 technical crew.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information, but it is not liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
Any queries should be directed to DP team at IMCA. Share your DP incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive DP event bulletins straight to your email.