SAFE T Y
bit es REPOR T
Report on engine room fire on Moritz Schulte with loss of one life
At 0918 on 4 August 2020, the liquefied petroleum gas/ethylene carrier Moritz Schulte suffered an engine room fire while discharging a cargo of ethylene alongside the port of Antwerp, Belgium. The newly promoted third engineer, who was working on an auxiliary engine fuel filter, had not effectively isolated the fuel system and both he and an adjacent auxiliary engine’s hot exhaust were sprayed with fuel under pressure. The fuel spray penetrated the exhaust insulation and ignited.
Prompt actions by the crew closed down the space to limit the spread of fire. The subsequent crew muster identified that the third engineer was missing and had last been seen in the engine room. The master prohibited the release of the CO2 fixed firefighting system and ordered the fire party to search for and recover the third engineering officer.
The vessel’s search and rescue team made two attempts to enter the engine room, both of which were unsuccessful due to smoke and heat. The third attempt made a sweep of the area of the engine room where it was assessed that the third engineer would be, but he was not found. A shore fire team located him an hour after the start of the fire. He was recovered ashore but died 9 days later from the effects of smoke inhalation.
The investigation found that, despite the vessel having a full range of safe systems of work in place, the third engineer, who had worked for the company for over 5 years, died while attempting an unnecessary job conducted in an unsafe way at an inappropriate time, without a risk assessment and in the absence of any direct supervision of the task. Analysis of the third engineer‘s training programme activity log found that only two of the 65 rank-specific tasks he was required to undertake before his promotion to third engineer had been completed with the requisite evidence. It also found that the training system permitted line management to confirm that training had been completed without evidence being provided. This facilitated his promotion twice when he was not ready.
Other findings included a lack of any evidence of poor visibility enclosed space rescue drills or escape drills using Emergency Escape Breathing Devices.
The company’s investigation identified 32 actions relating to: communication, crew and competence management, safety management and technical management. The company has since equipped its four vessels that were built before July 2003 with additional Emergency Escape Breathing Devices.
Download the report at
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Briefings
20 | ISSUE 106 | DEC 2023 | THE REPORT
The Princess Royal has unveiled a £420 million expansion at Aberdeen Port.
The 2024 edition boot Düsseldorf will feature a “very high” attendance from international exhibitors as it continues a strong post- pandemic recovery.
ABS and Asiatic Lloyd Maritime LLP, member of the AL Group, have signed a joint development project (JDP) to study the feasibility of converting the fuel system of an ultramax bulk carrier.
Samsung Heavy Industries acquired the Integrated International Certification For Compliance Management System from Lloyd’s Register for the first time in the shipbuilding industry.
Organisers of the Restore the Montgomery Canal appeal are delighted with generous donations from many supporters in the canal area and across the country and more than £95,000 has been raised already.
Marina chain D-Marin has partnered with luxury boat manufacturer Azimut Benetti to expand D-Marin’s marina business by improving the growth of nautical tourism in the Mediterranean.
The MSC Tessa, one of the world’s largest ships, has entered the Port of Antwerp with a draft of 16 metres, a new record.
Marine technology company Savvy Navvy has appointed US-based Alex Ostler as its new chief marketing officer (CMO) as its continues to scale up its growth.
Dutch Marine firm, ShibataFenderTeam Group, has supplied 11 Double Cone Fender Systems for Dundee Port’s expansion project in the UK.
Wisconsin-based boatbuilder Cruisers Yachts is expanding its Pulaski facility by 56,000 square feet, with a project completion date of January 2024.
US-based American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) Foundation welcomed 70 marine technology students to its inaugural student career day, held Thursday at IBEX.
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