Investigation Report
Catastrophic failure of capacitor in aft harmonic filter room on passenger cruise ship RMS Queen Mary 2
Catastrophic failure of capacitor in aft harmonic filter room on passenger cruise ship RMS Queen Mary 2
- MAIB
- Investigation Report
- Electrical SafetyMachinery and Equipment
- Arc flashElectrical safetyExplosionFunctional safety
- Inspection and maintenance
- Operator displays and control interfacesSwitchgear
- Alarm managementFire protectionFunctional testingPreventive maintenance
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
Investigates a capacitor explosion aboard RMS Queen Mary 2 approaching Barcelona, followed by propulsion shutdown and blackout. The report examines undetected capacitor deterioration, defective imbalance protection, likely arc-flash, harmonic distortion, maintenance records and alarm design. It analyses protection testing and water-mist arrangements, and recommends improved monitoring and failure analysis.
Classifications: Arc flash; arc fault; arc-flash.
Classifications: Electrical safety; electrical hazards.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Functional safety; safety instrumented systems; SIS.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Operator displays and control interfaces.
Classifications: Switchgear; switch gear.
Classifications: Alarm management.
Classifications: Fire protection; fire suppression; fire detection.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Themes: electrical safety, machinery and equipment.