Topic
Material Fatigue
Crack initiation or growth caused by cyclic loading.
Documents
- 202615 Apr
BSEE: Exterior Walkway separates from temporary living quarters, putting workers at risk
An offshore accommodation walkway detached while three workers stood outside their room; all remained safe. Temporary quarters had served for 23 years, with inadequate inspections and degraded tab welds. The flash presents BSEE recommendations for operators to consider long-term design needs, revised inspection programmes and non-destructive weld testing.
- 20262 Apr
Foundering of the fishing vessel Freedom II (CN 111)
Investigation of Freedom II’s foundering off western Scotland identifies suction-pipe fatigue failure as the most likely flooding source. It examines overwhelmed and unavailable pumps, progressive flooding, seawater isolation, emergency preparedness and delayed distress alerting. All crew were recovered uninjured; actions already taken led to no new recommendations.
- 20265 Feb
BSEE Safety Alert 513 - Exterior Walkway Separates from Temporary Living Quarters, Putting Workers at Risk
Three workers escaped harm when an offshore platform’s third-floor walkway detached from temporary living quarters used for 23 years. The alert examines inadequate welded support, corrosion, material fatigue and inspection weaknesses. BSEE recommends considering long-term use in design, revised inspection programmes and non-destructive testing alongside visual checks.
- 20257 Nov
Hull crack arising from vibration
An aluminium vessel continued operating despite propeller vibration, later developing a skeg crack and water ingress into the steering room. Crew fitted a cement box, and management required repairs. The flash highlights aluminium’s susceptibility to repetitive stress and urges investigation of changed or increased vibration.
- 202517 Sep
Uncoordinated Emergency Shutdown due to pipe failure
A tanker cargo discharge stopped when a duty AB activated emergency shutdown after observing a minor leak, without coordinating with the cargo control room. Copper tubing had failed through vibration fatigue. The flash describes revised shutdown procedures, coordination training and periodic vibration risk assessments, with tubing dampers or supports under consideration.
- 202510 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 502 -Fatigue Cracking of Three-Quarter-Inch Pipe Nipple Results in Gas Release
An offshore gas release followed fatigue failure of a threaded ¾-inch pipe nipple on a compressor suction scrubber, prompting platform shut-in and personnel muster. The alert discusses possible installation stresses, vibration and unsupported bridle weight, and recommends considering structural support, proper tightening, regular inspection, vibration monitoring and maintained dampers.
- 202222 Dec
Failure of towline pennant on tug Svitzer Mercurius with minor injuries to 5 crew
Investigation of a towline pennant failure aboard Svitzer Mercurius in Southampton, where recoil shattered a wheelhouse window and glass injured five crew. The report examines hidden synthetic-rope damage, winch brake slippage, inspection and fleet-induction shortcomings, and considers laminated glazing and risk assessment for wheelhouse impact protection.
- 202216 Nov
Semi-submersible Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) Unlatched From Well in Progress
A semi-submersible drilling unit was disconnected from its well and at a survival location during a storm when two mooring wires failed. Released fairleads punctured the hull and subsequently collided, sustaining significant damage. The identified primary wire failure mechanism was high-load, low-cycle bending fatigue.
- 202122 Jul
Failure of dive chamber overhead door centre pin
A diving bell overhead-door hinge pin failed after the dive team left the entry lock. The pin fell into the unoccupied lock, without pressure loss. The door was lowered under control and divers transferred. Investigation remained ongoing; suspected factors included design, corrosion and cyclic fatigue. Similar doors should receive prompt crack checks.
- 202125 Feb
Engine failure and subsequent fire on ro-ro cargo vessel Finlandia Seaways with 1 person injured
Investigation annexes examine a vessel’s main-engine failure and engine-room fire through connecting-rod fracture analysis, microscopy and material testing. Fatigue was identified, but consequential damage limited precise initiation-site identification. Supporting documents address connecting-rod ovality, recommended replacement intervals and machinery survey examinations credited through Chief Engineers.
- 202016 Oct
Deficiencies in Process Piping Cause Gas Release Incidents
BSEE describes several Gulf of Mexico gas releases involving cracked welds, leaking gaskets and corrosion beneath insulation. The alert links incidents to quality assurance and mechanical integrity deficiencies, with vibration-related fatigue a possible contributor in one case. Recommendations address piping integrity programmes, leak detection, reporting, training and maintenance of compressors and pulsation dampeners.
- 20199 May
AW139 Vibration During Climb with Tail Rotor Bonding Strip Cracking
An AW139 returned to Aberdeen after unusual vibration during climb. Examination identified fatigue cracking in three tail rotor bonding strips, with one strip and its cable fairing lost. Gearbox bearing spalling was unrelated. The manufacturer planned additional detailed visual inspection and a manufacturing-process review; EASA classified the event as ‘Not-Unsafe’.
- 201913 Feb
Enterprise Pascagoula Gas Plant Explosion and Fire
This case study examines the Pascagoula gas plant fires and explosions, identifying thermal fatigue in a brazed aluminium heat exchanger as the probable cause. It analyses repair history, blocked-layer venting, temperature monitoring and process safety management deficiencies, alongside emergency response and community notification. Two night-shift workers were uninjured.
- 2019
Caisson structural integrity (Rev 1)
Guidance for duty holders managing offshore caisson integrity throughout design, installation and service. It addresses corrosion, fatigue and mechanical damage, including support modelling, internal inspection and integrity databases. Requirements cover risk assessment, inspection planning, maintenance and temporary winter repairs where permanent repairs are not readily available.
- 201721 Dec
Failure of steel wire sling
A steel wire sling connecting two vessels failed during offshore wind farm wire pulling, damaging rigging and the winch vessel. Investigation identified low-cycle fatigue, underestimated dynamic forces and an incorrect working load limit. The flash highlights termination efficiency, equipment certification checks, continuous digital load logging and the effective clear-deck instruction.
- 20176 Sep
Grounding of semi-submersible rig Transocean Winner after the loss of tow from tug ALP Forward
Investigation of Transocean Winner’s grounding off the Isle of Lewis after loss of tow from ALP Forward. Analysis examines weather-driven loss of control, deteriorated wire rope, catenary and shock loading, missing windage information, passage planning and emergency towing limitations. Recommendations address towing procedures, reporting and tow-line maintenance.
- 201723 Aug
High potential near miss: dropped object – buffer plate fell from crane boom
A crane buffer plate weighing 70 kg fell approximately 10 m into a barriered deck area, with no personnel nearby. Bolt failure from metal fatigue was linked to inadequate planned inspection. Actions included larger replacement bolts, secondary securing, revised maintenance requirements and crane checks for potential dropped objects.
- 201711 Aug
High potential near miss: failure of valve on gas bottle
A naval gas-bottle refilling near miss involved a valve expelled from a high-pressure cylinder, with the charging whip and valve remnant striking a wall. Analysis identified corrosion-induced cracking and material fatigue. The flash describes valve replacement, age tracking, whip securing, cleanliness procedures and consideration of further training.
- 201715 Jun
Failure of mooring line on board LNG carrier Zarga with 1 person injured
Investigates a spring-line failure during Zarga’s repositioning at South Hook LNG terminal, seriously injuring the mooring officer. Destructive testing, microscopy and modelling examined jacketed HMPE rope degradation and snap-back. Findings address axial compression fatigue, line–fairlead compatibility, misleading safe areas, supervision and ineffective inspection and retirement arrangements.
- 201724 Apr
Catastrophic failure of silo – bolted conical bottom section
This alert examines catastrophic separation of a silo’s bolted conical bottom, releasing approximately 600 tonnes of wheat grain. It links failure to manufacturing-induced micro-cracks at sharp cold-formed folds and subsequent fatigue cracking. Recommended measures include penetrant inspection of both fold surfaces, repeated inspections, attention to warning signs and exclusion zones.
- 20166 May
Fatalities caused by crane collapse following metal fatigue
A tower crane collapse killed a worker who fell and a member of the public struck by the crane. Metal fatigue caused 24 slew-ring bolts to fail. The flash highlights an uninvestigated earlier bolt failure on the same crane and inadequate arrangements for crane inspection and maintenance.
- 201611 Feb
Second safety warning issued after mooring line failure on board LNG tanker Zarga resulted in serious injury to a deck officer
MAIB’s second bulletin on Zarga’s mooring-rope failure examines jacketed HMPE construction, hidden yarn damage consistent with axial compression fatigue, and undersized fitting rollers. Following serious injury to a deck officer, it strongly advises operators to consult manufacturers about rope suitability, fitting compatibility and condition monitoring before ropes become materially degraded.
- 20157 Dec
Near-miss: Corrosion caused crane boom failure during heavy lifting
A crane boom buckled during a 37T lift from a jetty towards a vessel; the load dropped approximately 30 cm without injury. Investigation identified apparent old fatigue cracking and internal corrosion missed by recent testing. Lessons recommend a more thorough NDE maintenance and inspection plan, including spot-check magnetic particle inspection or similar after-load testing.
- 201529 May
Near-miss: Equipment failure: Broken mast arms
Two near misses involved CTV mast arms failing through weld fatigue associated with heavy aerials. Both vessels returned safely to harbour. The member recommends scheduled mast checks focusing on shroud tension and weld strength, with particular attention to unsupported sections carrying large or heavy aerials or equipment.
- 201410 Dec
Controlled Helicopter Ditching Following Main Gearbox Lubrication Warnings
This interim AAIB bulletin examines the controlled ditching of G-REDW following main gearbox lubrication warnings. It reports fatigue fracture of the bevel gear vertical shaft, corrosion and manufacturing inspection findings, and continuing investigation of the emergency lubrication warning. Fracture examination, dimensional measurements, fatigue testing and vibration monitoring inform the ongoing work.
- 201410 Dec
Super Puma Main Rotor Gearbox Failure During Offshore Passenger Flight
Investigation of G-REDL’s fatal North Sea accident during a passenger flight from the Miller Platform to Aberdeen. A second-stage planet gear fatigue fracture caused catastrophic main rotor gearbox failure. The report examines chip detection, HUMS limitations, particle identification and maintenance communications, recommending improved degradation detection and flight-crew warnings.
- 201410 Dec
Two EC225 LP Helicopter Ditchings in the North Sea
Combined investigation of two EC225 LP helicopter ditchings in the North Sea in 2012. Corrosion-pit initiated fatigue failures interrupted gearbox oil-pump drive. The report examines stress modelling, welding residual stresses, condition monitoring, misleading emergency lubrication warnings, evacuation and liferaft deployment, and records corrective actions and safety recommendations.
- 201410 Dec
Super Puma Rejected Takeoff Following Rotor Spindle Fatigue Failure
Investigation of a Super Puma takeoff rejection at Aberdeen Airport following rotor spindle fatigue failure. Metallurgical examination, finite element modelling, fatigue tests and flight-load measurements examined assembly preload, wear and interference-fit stresses. The report describes revised spindle assembly arrangements and recommends reviewing options to extend helicopter health and usage monitoring into rotating systems.
- 201430 Jun
Serious engine room fire whilst divers in saturation
An engine-room fire aboard an offshore vessel alongside prompted transfer of saturation divers to a hyperbaric rescue craft. Investigation linked diesel spray ignition to fatigue failure of an insufficiently tightened fuel-filter stud. The flash discusses water-mist suppression, fuel shut-off shortcomings, torque information and separation of filters from hot exhaust surfaces. Nobody was injured.
- 201420 Feb
Vibration-induced fatigue on process pipework
This safety flash relays a NOPSEMA inspection finding of vibration-induced fatigue cracking and previous rectification work on small-bore seawater cooling pipe connections. The operator initially regarded the incident as a minor weep rather than reportable damage to safety-critical equipment. IMCA highlights potentially wider implications beyond oil and gas process pipework.
- 201428 Jan
Vibration-induced fatigue on process pipework
This alert describes fatigue cracking in seawater cooling pipe connections and a hydrocarbon test separator header leak repaired without a major release. It calls for assessment of vibration excitation, points to Energy Institute pipework guidance and explains dangerous-occurrence reporting requirements, including damage to safety-critical equipment.
- 201413 Jan
Safety Alert 21 - Pollution from Production Operations Due to Improper Diversion of Production Flow and Rupture Disc Failure
This alert describes an offshore production spill involving diverted flare-header flow and a failed rupture disc. More than 35 barrels of oil entered the ocean, mostly recovered. Alarm failures and continued pump operation worsened the incident. Recommendations address change management, rupture-disc inspection, alarm reliability and training; the initial process-upset cause remained undetermined.
- 2012Aug
Steering control failure on high-speed passenger catamaran Moon Clipper resulting in contact with pier and several people injured
Investigation of Moon Clipper’s contact with Tower Millennium Pier on the River Thames, injuring passengers and crew. It examines continued use of a defective steering joystick, centring-spring failure, propulsion reversal and engine stalling, bridge ergonomics, maintenance arrangements and shortcomings in passenger mustering and emergency communication.
- 2012Mar
Derailment of hatch-lid gantry crane on dry cargo vessel Blue Note
Investigation of Blue Note’s hatch-lid gantry crane derailment alongside in Londonderry, which left three crewmen with minor injuries. Incomplete engagement of the port hooks was considered the most likely cause. The report examines hook visibility, spreader adjustment, wheel-bolt fatigue, unsafe riding practices, maintenance, risk assessment and crew competence.
- 20109 Nov
Deterioration and failure of cold / frozen food store ceilings
HSE alert following a fatal frozen-food-store ceiling failure involving insulation panels secured with engineering-grade plastic bolts. Tests identified bolt fatigue and corrosion, while some failed fixings showed no obvious signs. Recommendations address fragile ceilings, access restrictions, inspection from underneath, loading guidance and independently supported walkways where frequent access is required.
- 201024 Jun
Manitowoc Cranes, Potain Tower Cranes - MD, MDT and MR series - Potentially faulty spigots on K600 and K800 mast sections
This safety alert addresses potentially defective spigots connecting K600 and K800 mast sections on Potain MD, MDT and MR tower cranes following two mast failures. It specifies identification ranges, immediate withdrawal and quarantine, or manufacturer-specified welded reinforcement, with inspection and non-destructive testing requirements for the reinforcement.
- 20108 Apr
Failure of hose reel bearing housing
A rented hydraulic winch suffered bearing-housing failure during seabed load recovery, with no injuries. Investigation identified repetitive overload damage, inadequate braking and design calculations not updated after a spooling-device modification. The flash recommends routine non-destructive testing, revised design verification and a proper drum disc brake, while suggesting failure-mode analysis.
- 2008Oct
2008-049 Investigation of Blowout Eugene Island, Block 28 Well No. 4, OCS-G 05479, December 03, 2007, Gulf of Mexico, Off the Louisiana Coast.
Investigation of a workover blowout at Eugene Island Block 28, offshore Louisiana. Production tubing parted during pulling, allowing well pressure to eject tubing before preventers contained the annulus. Metallurgical examination identified fatigue cracking and flow-cut wall thinning. The report reviews barrier tests, work procedures and subsequent snubbing operations to kill the well.
- 20033 Jul
Container door hinges failure: Container door fell on deck
A container door fell onto the deck after three hinges failed during opening; nobody was struck or injured. The flash attributes failure to inadequate lubrication, corrosion, intermittent jamming and fatigue cracking. It recommends routine hinge checks when containers come aboard, appropriate lubrication and non-conformance reporting where corrective action is required.
- 20011 Aug
Failure of winch brake on air diving bell system
An unmanned wet diving bell fell 6 m through air and a further 15 m through water onto its clump weight, without injury. Investigation identified fatigue fracture following hinge-pin seizure from inadequate lubrication, compounded by hydraulic pressure decay. The company planned winch checks and advised regular brake maintenance.
- 20011 Mar
Crane incident
Part of an offshore crane’s manufacturer nameplate, weighing 250 g, fell onto an unoccupied scaffold 21 m below. Initial findings linked failure through the fixing bolt hole to metal fatigue caused by handrail vibration. The company removed similarly installed signs from other cranes.
- 19996 Nov
Gardner Denver Safety Notice
This alert warns owners and operators of certain Gardner Denver mud pumps about discharge manifold failures. Four failures during operation were reported, apparently involving combined overload and fatigue. Manifold sections were expelled at high velocity, and one report described a minor injury.
- 198627 Mar
Safety Alert 148 - Pipe Nipple Fatigue and Inadequate Insulation Cause Compressor Fire
A failed all-thread nipple released gas that ignited at a compressor turbocharger. Stored filters and belts intensified the fire, while inadequate battery voltage prevented the fire-water pump engine from starting. The alert records firefighting arrangements and operator measures covering weekly battery checks, removal of stored items and insulation of hot components.
- 19733 Jan
Safety Alert 3 - Flash Fire, Glycol Gas Dehydrator Unit
A gas production platform flash fire followed a fatigue crack in threaded glycol return pipework. Released gas and condensate ignited on an uninsulated reboiler stack. Vibration was identified as the probable fatigue cause. Recommendations address vibration damping, periodic pipework inspections and insulation or double-wall exhaust stacks at potential ignition sources.
- Undated
Hydraulic Oil Fire on Production Platform
This investigation describes a hydraulic-oil fire on production platform K. Compressor and fan-pump vibration caused fatigue and cracking of a nipple, allowing oil onto hot exhaust. The fire was extinguished using about one-third of a 150 lb dry-chemical wheeled unit. The district office made no recommendation to the regional office.
- Undated
Crane Boom Bent During Load Testing After Welding
This investigation records a Leap Frog crane boom bending during load testing after welding at a workover service location. The boom bent when the load reached 32,000 pounds. Material fatigue was identified as the probable cause. Following repair, the boom passed inspections and the reassembled crane was retested.
- Undated
Transformer Fire Spread to Oil Treater Below
An investigation examines a transformer fire on Mississippi Canyon Platform A. Electrical failure caused ignition, likely through overheating or arcing; leaking dielectric fluid spread the fire to the oil treater below. Automatic shutdown and deluge activation preceded firefighting. No injuries or pollution were reported, and the District made no recommendation.
- Undated
Riser-Guard Failure at Matterhorn Tension-Leg Platform
BSEE investigates riser-guard failure at the Matterhorn tension-leg platform on 9 April 2026. Fatigue cracking affected three hull connections, with degradation overlooked because the guard was excluded from targeted inspections. The report describes securing, underwater inspection and recovery operations, followed by marine traffic protection for exposed risers. No injuries or pollution occurred.
- Undated
Crane Kingpost Separation During Basket Lifting
Investigation of a crane kingpost separation during basket lifting on the Mars platform. Metallurgical analysis identified progressive fatigue, most likely initiated by Hurricane Katrina impact damage, while discounting material and fabrication defects. The report examines inspection limitations, operational loading and the evacuation, stabilisation and removal response. No injuries or pollution occurred.
- Undated
Crane Boom Collapsed During Grating Transfer
BSEE investigates a crane boom collapse during grating transfer at South Marsh Island 130 B, with no personnel injuries. Cable break testing identified fatigue from repeated cycling through bridle sheaves. The report discusses inadequate wire-rope evaluations, poor lubricant penetration and revised inspection and replacement arrangements.
- Undated
Compressor Cylinder Head Fracture and Ejection on Platform
An investigation examines a compressor cylinder-head fracture and ejection at the Enchilada platform, with no personnel injuries. It identifies corrosion-related fatigue cracking and incomplete corrosion removal during an earlier repair, describes shutdown and muster actions, and recommends immediate installation of revised cylinder heads or removal of affected compressors from service.
- Undated
Compressor Fire After Reducer Coupling Separation
Investigation of a compressor fire on Constitution platform after a reducer coupling parted and gas ignited at the engine air intake. The report identifies vibration-related fatigue and an oversized ball valve, describes emergency shutdown, muster and firefighting, and records the operator’s proposed replacement of the valve with a plug.
- Undated
Mooring Chain Failure at Titan SPAR Platform
BSEE investigates a mooring-chain failure at the Titan SPAR platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Underwater inspection and metallurgical analysis identified probable fatigue initiation at crown cracks, with corrosion likely contributing. The report also identifies corrective-maintenance delays linked to vendor unavailability and records differing dates for discovery and notification.
- Undated
Platform Fire After Pump Isolation Valve Released Oil onto Hot Exhaust
BSEE investigates a fire on the MC 547 A platform after a cracked pump isolation valve released oil onto hot engine exhaust. Findings identify inadequate support and fatigue damage. The report examines automatic shutdown, firefighting and muster, alongside evidence of unquantified pollution despite the operator’s initial denial. No injuries occurred.
- Undated
Partial Separation of Temporary Living Quarters Walkway
BSEE investigates partial separation of a temporary living quarters walkway at Devils Tower, with three workers present and no injuries or dropped objects. Findings identify insufficient weld support, corrosion, fatigue and inadequate visual inspections after prolonged use. The report describes immediate securing, access restrictions, repairs and planned non-destructive testing.
- Undated
Booster Gas Compressor Fire on Unmanned Platform
BSEE investigates a booster gas compressor fire on the unmanned EC-64-A platform. Failed cylinder studs, gas release and leaking lubricating oil feature in the reconstructed sequence, whose exact order remains uncertain. Findings examine fatigue, corrosion, fastener tightening practices, maintenance records and contractor oversight, with recommendations on OEM requirements and plastic tank siting.
- Undated
Drilling Rig Mouse-Hole Section Falls onto Production Platform
An investigation describes a drilling-rig mouse-hole section falling onto a production platform, damaging well equipment. Leakage of between 4–5 gallons of hydraulic fluid led to down-hole safety valves closing and production shutting in. Extended use and over-torquing could have caused cracking and fatigue; periodic inspection for wear and damage is suggested.
- Undated
Crane Boom Cable Failed During Gang-Box Transfer from Field Boat
Investigation of a crane boom cable failure during gang-box transfer from a field boat to Eugene Island 259 C production platform. The boom and load fell into the water, and cable fragments injured three contractors. The report identifies cable fatigue and unnecessary stress, discusses earlier inspection and pull testing, and makes no recommendations.
- Undated
Oil Escaped Overboard from Cracked Heater Treater Fire Tube
An investigation records approximately 4.71 barrels of oil escaping overboard from a cracked heater treater fire tube. Preliminary findings identify the crack at a sealed weld and suggest hot-spot fatigue may have contributed. Flow was shut in, the tube repaired and a containment skid installed. Incident dates conflict within the report.
- Undated
Gas-Compressor Fire on Offshore Production Platform
Investigation of a gas-compressor fire on the South Timbalier 28 PRD offshore platform. Inspectors identified cooler-tube rupture and gas release as the most likely cause, with static charge the probable ignition source. Pressure and tube age may have contributed through fatigue. A fusible plug triggered process shutdown; operators immediately extinguished the fire.
- Undated
Cargo Box Fell Following Crane Winch Failure During Offloading
BSEE investigates an auxiliary crane winch failure during cargo offloading at Front Runner. A cargo box fell approximately 20–30 feet before striking a supply vessel and entering offshore waters. The report examines ring-gear fatigue, overloading, shock-loading, incorrect manifested weight, inspection records and alarm-triggered shutdown behaviour. No injuries occurred.
- Undated
Gas Release from Fractured Suction-Scrubber Pipe Prompts Shutdown and Muster
Investigation of a gas release on the Marlin tension-leg platform after a suction-scrubber pipe nipple fractured through fatigue cracking. Gas detection prompted shutdown and muster, with no injuries or significant equipment damage. The report examines vibration and inadequate bridle support, and records planned management of change to add support.
- Undated
Crane Boom Failure During Drill Cuttings Box Transfer
Investigation of a crane boom failure during transfer of a drill cuttings box from Hercules Rig 251 to a workboat. The report identifies metal fatigue at the boom heel as the probable cause, examines uncorrected inspection deficiencies and conflicting stop-pawl accounts, and discusses regulatory jurisdiction. No injuries or pollution resulted.
- Undated
Pipeline-Pump Fire Involving Melted Plastic Dust Cover
BSEE investigated a small pipeline-pump fire on Viosca Knoll Platform A. A cracked exhaust expansion joint allowed hot exhaust to melt a plastic dust cover, which dripped onto an exhaust blanket. Thermal cycling may have caused fatigue. Operators extinguished the flame in under a minute; recommendations address inspection and heat-resistant covers.
- 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
Fire in engine room on passenger cruise ship The Calypso
Investigation of The Calypso’s engine-room fire on 6 May 2006 links ignition to fuel spraying from a failed flange, whose bolts probably failed through fatigue. It examines ineffective modification bulletins, misunderstandings of the fixed carbon dioxide system, unsafe re-entry and subsequent accidental discharge, alongside passenger mustering and recommendations on control identification and inspection knowledge.
- Undated
Floatel International - Floatel Superior - Investigation of stability incident
Investigation of anchor-induced hull damage and flooding aboard Floatel Superior on the Njord field. It examines bolster strength, fatigue, anchor restraint, winch behaviour, alarm failures and damaged-stability calculations. Physical damage reconstruction, biological dating and causal analyses support findings, alongside assessment of watertight protection and helicopter evacuation.
- Undated
Gassco - Kårstø - Investigation into gas leak
Investigation of a gas leak at Kårstø attributes instrument-fitting fracture to bending fatigue in an unsupported manometer assembly. The release lasted 9.5 hours without injuries. Materials testing and modelling inform findings on mechanical support, maintenance, incident learning, emergency depressurisation and shutdown arrangements, alongside functioning detection and ignition-control barriers.
- Undated
Keel failure and capsize of sailing yacht Hooligan V with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Hooligan V’s keel detachment and fatal capsize during a delivery voyage. Metallurgical and design analyses identified fatigue failure, inadequate safety factors and adverse effects from added bulb weight. The synopsis describes escape and rescue, subsequent keel redesign, and recommendations concerning design assurance and documented construction standards.
- Undated
Rupture of exhaust gas boiler on passenger cruise ship Island Princess with 3 people injured and loss of 2 lives
This investigation examines a fatal economiser rupture aboard Island Princess during sea trials. Water heated by engine exhaust overpressurised an isolated, unvented boiler whose safety valves had seized shut. Two people died and three were injured. Findings address valve corrosion, boiler-water quality, unsuccessful venting and corrosion fatigue cracking.
- Undated
Saipem - Scarabeo 5 - Investigation of fire
Investigation of an engine-room fire on Scarabeo 5 while moored on the Njord field. Diesel escaped after a flange bolt fractured and contacted a hot surface; fatigue was considered the most likely fracture cause. Findings address supplier modifications, preventive maintenance, hot-surface protection, Novec activation delays and emergency training deficiencies.
- Undated
Statoil - Gudrun - Investigation into hydrocarbon leak
Investigation of the February 2015 condensate leak on Gudrun examines fatigue rupture of separator-outlet bypass pipework, control-valve behaviour and severe vibration. It analyses valve sizing, multiphase flow, maintenance follow-up, communication and safety barriers, identifying weaknesses in integrated engineering assessment and the use of operating experience.
- Undated
Statoil - Gullfaks B - Investigation of crane incident
Investigation of a crane boom falling 10 metres on Gullfaks B following steel-rope fatigue. The report examines sheave geometry, rope bending, earlier equipment damage and inadequate recognition of the rope’s safety-critical role. It identifies shortcomings in service-life calculations, replacement intervals and visual-only inspection arrangements.
- 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.