Equipment
Switchgear
Electrical switching and protection assemblies.
Documents
- 2026May
GEC Type VMX High Voltage Switchgear (including GEC Alsthom, Alstom or Areva T&D)
HSE safety notice addresses partial discharge and vacuum interrupter integrity in legacy GEC VMX high-voltage switchgear. Following a disruptive circuit-breaker failure involving arcing and fire, it recommends checking applicable design modifications, maintenance records and substation environmental conditions, alongside discharge surveys, integrity testing and revised access risk assessments.
- 202631 Mar
Offshore Inspection Guide Electrical Power Systems
An inspection guide for assessing electrical power systems and duty holder compliance. It addresses generation, distribution, protection, portable equipment and safe electrical work, with condition-monitoring methods including partial-discharge analysis, thermography and insulating-oil assessment. Performance scoring supports regulatory intervention planning; ATEX equipment is excluded.
- 20252 Oct
Worker suffered eye injuries in electric arc incident
A vessel electro-technical officer suffered light eye burns from an electrical arc while disconnecting a shore power cable that appeared still energised. Initial findings identified inadequate vessel–quayside communication and documentation. The flash emphasises voltage testing, isolation, improved communication, risk assessments and toolbox talks.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 506 - Arc Flash Incident Highlights Critical Need for Voltage Verification During Offshore Electrical Maintenance
An offshore platform cable installation resulted in an arc flash and a minor thermal burn when an electrician used non-insulated pliers inside an energised motor control centre. The alert identifies deficient task analysis and communication, recommending de-energised working where feasible, insulated tools, arc-rated protection, coordinated cable movements and competency assurance.
- 202518 Sep
Auxiliary engine room fire on board the ro-ro cargo ship Finnmaster
Investigation of Finnmaster’s auxiliary engine room fire during departure from Hull. Partial fuel injection pump coupling failure and leaking hot exhaust preceded fuel hose failure and ignition. The report examines defective emergency power, incomplete carbon dioxide suppression, maintenance and supplier assurance, system testing and crew response. No injuries were reported.
- 202518 Jun
Lock out/Tag out and unauthorised electrical connections/disconnections
This flash describes missing electrical and mechanical lockouts identified during a vessel engine-room audit, alongside unauthorised electrical disconnections and bypasses. It emphasises suitable lockout devices, documented approval of temporary modifications, restoration checks and clear handovers. Possible links to dynamic positioning trials are presented as assumptions rather than established causes.
- 2024Sep
F-Gas Guidance September 2024
Revised guidance for offshore oil and gas operators and service companies explains fluorinated greenhouse gas obligations. It covers technician qualifications, equipment labelling, carbon dioxide equivalence calculations, use restrictions, leak checks and detection systems, recovery and disposal during decommissioning, record retention, emissions reporting, inspection and civil penalties.
- 202422 Jan
UK MAIB: Deep fat fryer fire
A shipboard galley fire followed restoration of power to two deep fat fryers drained for cleaning. Overheated elements ignited fat-saturated food residues before thermal protection disconnected power. Crew extinguished the fire without damage or injury. Lessons address lockout/tagout, equipment readiness, electrical supply checks and practised emergency response.
- 202314 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert 478 - Inadequately Maintained Electrical Connections and Compromised Wiring Integrity (6)
This alert examines three electrical incidents involving a loose generator cable connection, damaged heat-trace insulation with improper grounding, and rainwater ingress into generator wiring. It recommends that operators consider routine maintenance, training, emergency-response rehearsals, improved cable procedures, lockout/tagout reinforcement and periodic infrared inspections.
- 20236 Dec
UK MAIB: Electrician injured in explosion
An electrician suffered serious burns aboard a ship after a spanner bridged live switchboard conductors, causing a short-circuit and arc flash. The flash highlights unfamiliarity with the circuit-breaker assembly, disregarded instructions, unplanned work without a permit or lockout/tagout, and unsuitable tools and protective equipment.
- 20233 May
Equipment starts unexpectedly
Three mechanics were maintaining a high-voltage AC unit under lockout/tagout when it restarted unexpectedly. A broken circuit-breaker handle linkage had prevented shutdown. Nobody was injured. The flash highlights verification of de-energisation and correct energy-source isolation, including when equipment is upgraded or modified.
- 202231 May
USCG: Exceeding electrical duty rating can lead to failure
A rescue-boat winch continued hoisting after its motor contactor fused because its duty rating was exceeded. Crew isolated power before the boat contacted the davit. The flash relays USCG recommendations to check contactor condition, compare duty ratings with recovery practices, verify safety-device design and train operators in power isolation.
- 20221 Apr
Safety Alert 436 - Arc Flash Injury During Generator Hookup
An electrician sustained a second-degree arm burn while reconnecting a diesel backup generator to a live bus. The alert identifies shortcomings in task hazard analysis, arc-flash protection and lockout documentation, with breaker defects contributing to the incident. It presents measures for operators and contractors to consider, including assessments, qualification checks and breaker condition reviews.
- 202228 Feb
Permit to Work and Isolation procedure not followed
An electrician replacing fuses in a live 930V DC vessel drive cabinet experienced an arc flash without injury. The flash examines absent work permits, unsecured and untagged isolation, inadequate procedures and failure to check isolation before work. Actions focus on reviewing work controls and following workplace instructions.
- 202128 Oct
UK HSE: Lubrication of circuit breakers – safety notice
This flash summarises an HSE notice following an HV circuit breaker explosion and fire. It examines unsuitable cleaning and lubrication products, possible stiction and solvent evaporation, and calls for maintenance procedures to be reviewed against manufacturers’ instructions for product selection, application and servicing intervals.
- 202122 Sep
Electrician suffered flash burn to hand
An electrician suffered a hand flash burn while checking insulation on a 690-volt bus bar aboard a vessel in dry dock. The switchboard became live after an unguarded status switch changed and the power management system closed a breaker. Lessons address isolation, shipyard work permits, supervision and communication.
- 2021Sep
Lubrication of circuit breakers
HSE warns that unsuitable lubricants can impair high- and low-voltage circuit breaker mechanisms. An investigated failure may have involved lubricant-related stiction. The notice calls for maintenance procedures to follow manufacturers’ instructions, distinguishing cleaning products from lubricants and selecting compatible products at appropriate intervals. LV MCCBs and MCBs are excluded.
- 20218 Apr
Shipyard worker receives electrical shock
A welder aboard a dry-docked vessel received an electric shock while routing a damaged 380V extension cable through pooled water. The flash identifies exposed cores, absent pre-use inspection, missing residual current protection and wet gloves. Actions address equipment checks, quarantine of defects, circuit protection, emergency isolation and weather-sensitive risk assessment.
- 202125 Mar
Inadquate operation of circuit breaker
A maintenance worker checking a compressor breaker during an annual inspection disengaged it, triggering alarms and facility downtime without injury or equipment damage. The alert examines ambiguous switchboard labels, indicator colours and missing procedures, and asks operators to consider training, updated documentation, pre-job meetings and protective button coverings.
- 20219 Feb
Electrical Fire Damages Equipment in Motor Control Center
An offshore platform motor control centre fire followed circuit-breaker engagement. Analysis identified loose or damaged bus-bar fasteners, damaged insulation and dust that likely caused an arc. BSEE recommends considering inspection and maintenance procedures, thermography, insulation-resistance and polarisation-index testing, torque checks and component replacement schedules.
- 202019 Feb
Short circuit on 440V AC bus bars – arc flash
A crewman repairing an earth bonding cable in a 440V distribution panel caused a short circuit and arc flash when its trailing end contacted a live bus bar. Burns were reported subsequently. The flash examines unauthorised task changes, inadequate terminal insulation, supervision, risk assessment and delayed incident reporting.
- 201913 May
Near miss: Fire of electrical distribution board during diving operations
A barge lost electrical power during air diving at 18 msw when breaker removal created a short circuit and bus-bar flash fire. The diver was recovered using backup power without injury. The flash identifies failures in isolation, lockout/tagout, work permitting and communication between simultaneous electrical and diving operations.
- 201820 Jul
Crewman received 415v electric shock
A crewman suffered an electric shock while assessing cable routing for an ROV launch and recovery system supply. He touched exposed live wires before the distribution board was isolated. The flash identifies undocumented transformer removal, absent voltage verification and inadequate handover, with lessons on maintenance records and communication.
- 201818 Jul
Catastrophic engine failure and fire on board ro-ro passenger ferry Wight Sky
This investigation examines Wight Sky’s rebuilt propulsion engine failure, explosion and fire near Yarmouth, which seriously burned the engineer. It analyses probable debris-related bearing failure, engine assembly arrangements, oil and filter tests, and loss of essential electrical services. Actions address rebuild cleanliness and load testing; the recommendation asks Volvo to consider wear particle detection.
- 201814 Jun
Rodent caused short circuiting of 440v bus bar
A rodent inside a vessel’s emergency switchboard caused a 440V short circuit, sparks and an unpleasant smell. The board was isolated and the dead rat removed. Subsequent searches found no further rodents. Measures included renewed trap bait, rat guards during port stays and increased vigilance when loading provisions or cargo.
- 201811 May
Safety Alert 333 - Floating Production Platform Evacuated Amid Power Outage
This alert examines a floating production platform blackout and evacuation involving UPS failure, a potentially hazardous hydrogen release, deficient battery-room ventilation and shutdown logic that obstructed power restoration. Two further power incidents provide context. BSEE recommends considering reviews of black-start arrangements, electrical handover, ventilation maintenance and blackout-specific evacuation procedures.
- 201811 Apr
Finger burnt by overheating electrical component
A vessel worker burnt his middle finger while resetting an overheating breaker for a 690 VAC anti-heeling pump. Investigation identified an incorrect breaker rating, altered cable length and a removed isolation switch. Actions included fitting rotary isolation switches, checking similar cabinets and replacing the cable.
- 201819 Mar
Unexpected Release of Water During Annual Maintenance of CO2 Fixed Firefighting System
During annual maintenance of a vessel’s fixed CO2 firefighting system, air blown through lines at 7 bar unexpectedly discharged water onto electrical switchboards and transformers. The water source remained unidentified, with condensation suspected. Work stopped, nozzle covers were introduced and maintenance instructions revised; compressed-air systems should be blown through before connection.
- 20177 Dec
Gas explosions on general cargo ship Nortrader with 1 person injured
Investigation of two explosions aboard Nortrader at anchor in Plymouth Sound, injuring the chief engineer. Hydrogen generated by unprocessed incinerator bottom ash accumulated in the unventilated hold and entered the forecastle store. The report examines probable switchgear ignition, inadequate cargo testing and shortcomings in applying bulk-cargo carriage requirements.
- 201711 Aug
Power loss within dive control
A vessel’s dive-control electronics lost power during ROV recovery on a shared power bus. Low supply voltage activated the UPS internal bypass, after which circuit breakers tripped. The dive was aborted without injury. Actions included keeping the bus tie breaker open, disabling internal bypass and introducing daily UPS health checks.
- 20152 Oct
Electrician fatally electrocuted
An electrician at a land-based oil installation was fatally electrocuted by an arc-blast after climbing onto a pole-mounted substation platform, and also fell from height. The flash identifies deficient risk assessment, permit review, maintenance and weekend safety culture, with corrective measures addressing equipment, supervision, lone working and documentation.
- 2015Sep
Keeping electrical switchgear safe
Guidance for owners and operators of three-phase switchgear rated from 1 kV to 33 kV AC. It covers safe operation, competence, permits, maintenance and protection testing for oil, air, vacuum and SF6 equipment. Diagnostic methods and aged-equipment assessments support decisions on retention, refurbishment, retrofit or replacement.
- 201425 Nov
Near-miss: Inadequate insulation of 690V bus bars
A vessel switchboard survey found exposed 690V bus bars and incompletely insulated wire terminations after breakers and their bases had been removed. The flash describes earlier breaker failures, inadequate spare-parts management and missed inspection findings, highlighting shortcomings in change management, technical oversight, handovers and contractor supervision.
- 201420 May
Safety Alert 312 - Dynamic Positioning System Failures On Vessels Other Than Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (Vessels)
Joint Coast Guard and BSEE alert examines loss of vessel position during critical well operations. Overdue circuit-breaker maintenance, protection-circuit faults and unsynchronised bus reconnection culminated in total loss of thrust; crew disconnected safely. Recommendations address failure-mode analysis, critical operating modes, maintenance planning, contractor safeguards and demonstrated DP personnel competence.
- 201225 Jun
Near-miss: Live electrical cable
During contractor equipment demobilisation aboard a vessel, removal of lockout/tagout re-energised a disconnected cable at 440 volts. Its ends touched the chassis and arced near an employee’s hand; nobody was injured. The flash identifies communication, permit, isolation verification, multiple-key lockout, breaker labelling and electrical drawing deficiencies.
- 2012Mar
Electrical failure and subsequent grounding of feeder container vessel Clonlee
Investigation of Clonlee’s electrical blackout and grounding at the Port of Tyne on 16 March 2011. An intermittent electrical fault was considered most likely, but the exact cause remained undetermined. Analysis examines generator changeover, protection testing, maintenance, passage planning, bridge resources, emergency communications and company safety management.
- 2012Jan
What happens when the lights go out? — Process Safety Beacon, January 2012
A mistaken circuit-breaker operation briefly interrupted PLC power, leaving a process running with partial controls and overloading a vent scrubber with toxic material. The bulletin emphasises assessing combined utility-failure effects, understanding device failure states, clearly labelling electrical controls, verifying operation and practising emergency procedures.
- 2011Dec
Catastrophic failure of capacitor in aft harmonic filter room on passenger cruise ship RMS Queen Mary 2
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.
- 2011Nov
Fire in unaccompanied refrigerated trailer unit on main vehicle deck of ro-ro passenger ferry Commodore Clipper
Investigation of a refrigerated-trailer fire aboard Commodore Clipper during passage to Portsmouth. It examines reefer connector assembly, high-resistance electrical faults, alarm response and the limitations of vehicle-deck drenching. Cargo access, accumulated firefighting water, passenger disembarkation and inter-agency coordination complicated the response. Annexes document electrical examination and material ignition testing.
- 201015 Dec
Subsea oxy-arc cutting – risk of explosion
This safety flash addresses explosion risk during subsea oxy-arc cutting. It recommends dependable double isolation that breaks both circuit poles between the surface generator and diver. Referenced diving guidance advises mounting the knife switch against accidental activation, ideally using a double-pole switch enclosed in a protective wooden or plastic box.
- 2010Jul
Safety warning after vehicle deck fire caused by unaccompanied refrigerated trailer unit
This bulletin presents preliminary findings from a refrigerated-trailer fire aboard Commodore Clipper. An electrical fault and sustained overheating were implicated, while closely packed trailers hindered firefighting. Operators should immediately check cable and fitting condition and protection levels, with additional overheating checks until the exact causes are established.
- 20108 Apr
Inadvertent opening of circuit breakers
An engineer inadvertently opened a vessel’s essential-services circuit breaker while checking a crane breaker, causing downtime and project delays without injury, damage or loss of position keeping. The flash examines unclear switchboard indications, ineffective supervision, unrestricted access and incomplete competence assurance, alongside revised standing orders and familiarisation arrangements.
- 2009Aug
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2009
A collection of preventive lessons from merchant-vessel, fishing and small-craft accidents. Cases examine collisions, fires, flooding, capsizing and people overboard, alongside navigation, towing and maintenance. Lessons address vessel-specific risk assessment, bridge teamwork, electrical isolation, watertight-door operation, lifejacket use and correct preparation of survival equipment.
- 200524 Mar
Safety Alert 228 - Vent Gas Migrates Through Cable Entrance Hole, Motor Control Center Explodes
An offshore platform explosion followed compressor start failure and gas migration from skimmer tank vents into a motor control centre. Opening the door created a chimney effect; a pump relay ignited gas trapped in electrical panels. MMS recommends sealing openings, periodic inspections and measures preventing discharge through skimmer vents.
- 20043 Jul
Electrical Troubleshooting Incident
An electrician investigating the electrical supply to a main engine-cooling pump tested fuses inside a motor control centre using a multimeter on its resistance scale. The meter probe shorted across two fuses, causing flash burns to the electrician’s hands and a consequential rig blackout.
- 20032 Jul
Fire incidents
This safety flash describes fires involving a crane contact box, laundry tumble dryers and welding near a vessel machinery space. It records electrical overheating and lint ignition, alongside reinforced inspection and maintenance, dryer cleaning and loading instructions, and hot-work precautions involving permits, job safety analyses and fire watches.
- 2001
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2001
This digest examines accidents involving merchant ships, fishing vessels and leisure craft, with a dedicated discussion of passenger emergencies. Cases address collision avoidance, grounding, flooding, machinery failures and fire. Lessons emphasise navigation checks, human performance, maintenance competence, lifejacket use, escape arrangements and clear communication with passengers during emergencies.
- 2001
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2001
Marine accident cases illustrate lessons for merchant vessels, fishing boats and leisure craft. Discussions address grounding, flooding, machinery failures, fires and personnel transfer, alongside watchkeeping and crew preparation. Practical analysis includes radar parallel indexing, emergency steering instructions, bilge alarm testing, pump use and watertight closures.
- 20001 Apr
Electrical flash burns
An electrician on an offshore installation sustained superficial flash burns while attempting to close a defective circuit breaker. A tool used in an unapproved override contacted live conductors, initiating an arcing fault. The company recommended reviewing undocumented practices, assessing override procedures and using all equipment design safety features.
- 1998
MAIB Safety Digest 1/1998
This digest examines casualties involving merchant ships, fishing vessels and leisure craft. Case lessons address radar interpretation, passage planning, watchkeeper rest, shipboard fires, safe access, cargo securing, flooding detection and overboard recovery. Appendices list investigations and explain MAIB inquiry arrangements.
- 1994
Calendar Year 1991-1994
Compilation of Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas accidents during 1991–1994, drawing on investigator reports held in the OPAC database. Narratives cover blowouts, fires, explosions, pipeline leaks, significant pollution, injuries and fatalities, including equipment failures and emergency responses. Some incidents appear in multiple categories.
- Undated
Electrical Arc During Breaker Resetting and Switch Cover Reassembly
An investigation records an electrical arc during breaker resetting on Platform Habitat. An incompatible cover linkage prompted removal of the switch cover; a misaligned screw contacted a live lead during reassembly. Halon activation shut down the platform. No injuries occurred; corrective actions included a compatible breaker and electrical-safety communications.
- Undated
Arc Flash During Cleaning of Energised Motor Control Centre Busbars
An accident investigation examines an arc flash during cleaning of energised motor control centre busbars with aerosol solvent and a steel-bristled brush. Findings identify missing work planning, permits and lockout procedures, alongside inadequate protective equipment. Recommendations address cabinet reinstatement planning, safe work permits and cleaning only with the centre de-energised.
- Undated
Platform Electrical Fire Following High Well Pump Amperage
Investigation of an electrical fire on Platform Henry following high amperage in a well pump. Circuit breakers failed to trip, and fire detection did not initiate an alarm or automatic shutdown. Personnel manually shut down the platform and extinguished the fire. Recommendations address breaker replacement and verification of detection coverage.
- Undated
Gas Explosion in Motor Control Centre Room After Compressor Starting Failures
An investigation examines a production-platform explosion after compressor starting failures. Low-pressure gas migrated from a water skimmer through deck penetrations into the motor control centre room, where a relay ignited trapped gas. Recommendations address sealing penetrations, modifying blowdown pipework or installing a flow safety valve, and checking buildings for migration paths.
- Undated
Arc Flash and Fire at Tension Leg Platform
Investigation of an arc flash and resulting fire at the A-Auger tension leg platform. The report examines breaker resetting during continuing alarm conditions, unconfigured fault trips, fuse sizing and missing reclosure lockouts. It identifies electrical design and operational issues and records an estimated $500,000 in damage.
- Undated
Electrical Flash During Transfer Pump Connection Relocation
Investigation of an electrical flash during relocation of a transfer-pump connection from a 20 amp to a 30 amp receptacle. A derrick hand sustained burns when energised components exploded. Findings identify failure to switch off the breaker, absent job safety analysis, inadequate training and failure to follow glove and fire-resistant clothing requirements.
- Undated
Drawworks Electrical-Panel Contactors Burned Out During Casing Work
An investigation examines a drawworks electrical-panel failure during casing work on the Diamond Ocean Ambassador. Two contactors burned out; investigators suspected a broken hinge pin had allowed an uneven connection. Replacement contactors were installed and tested. The rig was down for 15.5 hours, with no injuries or pollution reported.
- Undated
Firewater Pipe Ruptures During Power Restoration Following Emergency Shutdown
BSEE investigates firewater pipe ruptures during power restoration following an emergency shutdown at Horn Mountain. Water hammer impaired firefighting supplies and dislodged a support clamp near a muster area, without injury. Findings examine pump power interruptions, a suspected leaking check valve, inaccurate procedures and failures to purge trapped air.
- Undated
Drillship Switchboard Arc Flash Damaged Dynamic Braking Unit
BSEE investigates an arc flash in a drillship’s 690 V switchboard that damaged a dynamic braking unit and prompted personnel muster. The report traces deferred fuse replacement, carbon accumulation and escalating arcing, describes maintenance permit decisions and the fire-team response, and records that future blown fuses should be replaced immediately.
- Undated
Electrical Fire in Drillship Drawworks Motor-Drive Cabinet
BSEE investigates an electrical fire aboard the Ocean Blackhornet drillship during well operations. Damage to the auxiliary drawworks motor-drive cabinet prompted a general alarm and muster, with no reported injuries and approximately $180,000 damage. Extensive equipment damage prevented identification of a probable cause; further failure analysis was considered necessary.
- Undated
Electrical Shock During Water Maker Level Sensor Cleaning
An investigation examines an electrical shock sustained while a contractor cleaned water-maker level sensors. The report identifies an electrical malfunction that prevented a breaker from tripping and energised tank water, alongside failure to isolate power. It discusses lockout procedures, manufacturer switch instructions and subsequent employee communications.
- Undated
Electrical Arcing and Fire in Jack-Up Rig SCR Room
An investigation describes electrical arcing and fire in the Hercules 253 jack-up rig’s SCR room. Accumulated soot and contaminants provided a conductive path between generator busbars and ground. The report identifies inadequate inspection and maintenance as contributing factors and recommends regular SCR panel inspections with maintenance programmes based on their findings.
- Undated
Transformer Failure Causes Total Power Loss During Well Completion
Investigation of a transformer failure aboard Deepwater Pontus during well completion operations. Total power loss led to vessel drift, emergency disconnection and seabed damage to the lower marine riser package. The well remained secure, with no injuries or pollution. Findings identify unmonitored breaker position and planned monitoring improvements.
- Undated
Platform Blackout During Uninterruptible Power Supply Replacement
Investigation of a Thunder Horse platform blackout during uninterruptible power supply replacement. It examines inverter failure, power synchronisation tolerances and a persistent abandon-platform signal, alongside battery-room gas readings and evacuation. Recommendations address black-start procedures, protective features, engineering handover, blackout evacuation arrangements and critical ventilation performance.
- Undated
Electrical Fire in Dynamic Positioning Controls Disabled Thrusters
An investigation documents an electrical fire in the Discoverer Clear Leader’s dynamic positioning controls. Cooling-system cracks allowed water into electrical cabinets, disabling six thrusters and causing the rig to drift 15½ ft off location. Personnel mustered, power and position were restored, and control logic was subsequently modified to respond better to power demands.
- Undated
Arc-Flash Injury During Platform Wiring Replacement
An investigation describes an arc-flash injury during wiring replacement on the Hillhouse platform. Re-energisation from shore made wires live while a worker prepared them for splicing. Findings identify missing isolation permits, an incomplete job hazard analysis, failures to confirm personnel clearance, reliance on drawings and non-compliance with lockout procedures.
- Undated
Arc-Flash Fire in SCR Cabinet During Logging and Hydrate-Mitigation Pumping
Investigation of an arc-flash fire in Perdido’s silicon controlled rectifier cabinet during wireline logging and hydrate-mitigation pumping. Findings identify buss-insulator failure as the probable cause and equipment age as a contributor. The report examines ineffective fire detection and the limitations of external thermal imaging despite up-to-date maintenance.
- Undated
Electrical Disruption and Emergency Riser Disconnection with Drilling Fluid Loss
An investigation records harmonic-filter failure, a small fire and electrical supply disruption aboard a drilling vessel. Thrusters went offline, prompting emergency riser disconnection and loss of synthetic-base drilling fluid. Power and position were subsequently restored. The cause of essential-services circuit-breaker tripping remained under investigation.
- Undated
Electrician Sustained Facial and Neck Burns from Breaker Arc Flash
An investigation records an electrician’s facial and neck burns from a 480-volt breaker arc flash on Shenzi. Water entered through a loose cable gland and migrated to the breaker, degrading insulation between phases. The report describes platform muster, medical evacuation, connector tightening, cable drying and testing, and breaker replacement.
- Undated
Drilling Drive Cabinet Fire Following Condensation-Induced Arc Flash
An investigation of a drilling-drive cabinet fire on Seadrill West Capricorn identifies condensation from air-handling ductwork entering the cabinet and causing an arc flash. It describes power loss, personnel muster, extinguisher use and smoke extraction, and recommends preventing condensation, removing nearby combustible storage and cleaning electrical-cabinet areas.
- Undated
Equinor - Statfjord B - Investigation of short circuit incident with personal injury
Investigation of a short circuit, arc flash and fire during night-time circuit-breaker replacement on Statfjord B. A conductive foreign body was considered the very probable initiating cause. The report examines switchgear protection, maintenance, training, work procedures and emergency coordination. Two people experienced smoke inhalation during subsequent firefighting, rather than direct arc-flash injury.
- Undated
Equinor – Åsgard B – investigation of incident with fire
Investigation of a dry-type transformer fire on Åsgard B examines probable winding-insulation degradation leading to a short circuit or arc flash. It reviews protective instrumentation, maintenance limitations, transformer working-life arrangements and shortcomings in applying earlier incident learning. Firefighting, water cooling, thermographic checks and partial evacuation are documented; nobody was injured.
- Undated
Equinor – Sleipner B – investigation of fire
This revised investigation examines the Sleipner B variable speed drive fire on 22 October 2024. The initiating cause remains uncertain. It analyses electrical supply dependencies, unavailable firewater, smoke containment, ventilation, maintenance and emergency response, identifying seven non-conformities. Material damage and prolonged production shutdown occurred, without reported injuries or discharges to sea.
- Undated
Equinor – Statfjord A – investigation of collision by vessel
The PSA investigates Sjoborg’s collision with Statfjord A during cargo discharge. Reduced thruster power led to loss of position, damage to lifeboat arrangements and personnel evacuation. The report examines technical faults, alarm interpretation, compliance with activity-specific operating guidelines and bulk hose handling, using interviews, inspections and supplied documentation rather than independent technical testing.
- Undated
Fire in engine room of ro-ro passenger ferry Sally Star with 1 person injured
Investigation of an engine-room fire aboard Sally Star near Ramsgate, following failure of a low-pressure fuel flange. It examines fatigue and pressure transients, fuel leakage, halon retention, emergency electrical supply and firefighting arrangements. Findings address evacuation, communications and watchkeeping, with subsequent modifications and recommendations for testing and joint exercises.
- Undated
Gassco/Equinor – Kårstø – investigation of electrical incident with personal injury
Investigation of an arc-flash injury during starter-drawer replacement at Kårstø. An electrician sustained second-degree burns following a short circuit. The report examines circuit-breaker faults, ageing switchgear, incompatible test equipment, omitted protection adjustments, inadequate protective equipment and weaknesses in work planning, risk assessment, training and supervision.
- Undated
Loss of propulsion and main electrical power on passenger cruise ship Canberra
Investigates Canberra’s power failure off the Isle of Wight following air ingress during fuel-tank changeover. Examines pump suction loss, electrical restoration difficulties, staff unfamiliarity, position fixing and delayed anchoring. Describes subsequent changes to reserve fuel arrangements, tank operating limits, emergency training and watchkeeping supervision.
- Undated
Statoil - Statfjord A - Investigation of fire
Investigation of the Statfjord A utility-shaft fire examines a fatigue-fractured circuit-breaker shaft that prevented loading-pump shutdown. Continued pumping against a closed valve heated crude oil. The report analyses misleading control-room indications, blocked automatic deluge, valve maintenance, operator competence and inadequate investigation of an earlier similar failure.