Failure of casting: Foundation brackets for steering gear
- Safety Flash
- Published on 9 June 2017
- Generated on 22 August 2025
- IMCA SF 14/17
- 1 minute read
Damage was reported to the steering gear hydraulic ram foundation brackets connecting the ram to the structure of the vessel. The foundation bracket casting failed.
What went wrong? Investigation and findings
- The failed brackets were of a cast bronze design and by nature of the material were unable to withstand shock loads.
- It can be seen in the above photograph that the casting had a design flaw whereby there is no radius where the main body meets the flat mounting plate. The clearly shown sharp corner results in a stress raiser where the crack has occurred.
- Subsequent inspections across the fleet revealed several vessels with damaged brackets.
What lessons were learned? And what were the actions?
- Thorough inspection of steering gear ram foundation brackets for cracks is recommended.
- Appropriate modification of vessel planned maintenance system to include this visual inspection.
- Our member noted that later vessels have brackets fabricated using welded steel plate.
Failure of welding (search “weld failed” on the IMCA website) yields a number of incidents, but failure of an actual casting is less commonplace.
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.