Safety Flash
Failure of AHC cylinder causing oil leak to deck
Failure of AHC cylinder causing oil leak to deck
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 26/23
- Crane and RiggingEnvironmentInspection and MaintenanceMachinery and Equipment
- Environmental protectionLoss of containmentMechanical failurePressure systems
- Inspection and maintenanceLifting operations
- Crane
- Alarm managementPreventive maintenance
- Vessel
Summary
An offshore vessel’s heave-compensated crane suffered a hydraulic cylinder failure during jumper installation. Worn seals allowed oil to accumulate behind the piston, leading to end-cover bolt failure. Approximately 150 litres remained contained aboard. Proposed actions address pressure alarms, seal inspections, return-filter checks and planned cylinder overhaul.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: Crane; cranes.
Classifications: Alarm management.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
An active-heave crane cylinder failed and released contained hydraulic oil after seal damage and contamination caused pressure-related structural failure.
IMCA SF 26/23. Themes: crane and rigging, environment, inspection and maintenance, machinery and equipment.