Vertical lay system dropped during quayside mobilisation
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 February 2005
- Generated on 23 February 2026
- IMCA SF 02/05
- 1 minute read
A Member has reported a high potential incident (HIPO) which occurred during the recent mobilisation of a vertical lay system (VLS) at the quayside.
Fortunately, no one was injured. However, the VLS was damaged and some less serious damage was sustained to the vessel.
It is understood that the bottom section of the VLS, weighing approximately 265 tonnes, had been made ready for loading onto the vessel, using a permanent quayside crane. A fifteen minute test, with the load suspended on the crane had been successfully completed and loading operations commenced. As the load was in the process of being lifted onto the vessel, the load was seen to drop. It struck the starboard wing wall of the vessel and fell outboard onto the quayside.
The incident is currently subject of a comprehensive investigation and at this early stage it is impossible to state with any certainty what the causes of the incident were. However, key lessons learned will be shared with members through a further IMCA safety flash when the investigation has been concluded.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.