SAFE T Y
Briefings Transport Malta
investigation into boiler explosion death
Transport Malta has released an investigation report into the boiler explosion on board oil/ chemical tanker Torc, resulting in the death of a crewmember.
The incident took place on 8 January 2024 as the Maltese-registered ship was traveling between Agioi Theodorai and Genoa.
Counterfeit pilot ladders lead to USCG warning
On 03 January 2024, Torc departed Agioi Theodoroi, Greece, after discharging part of its cargo of Paraffin. The vessel was bound for Genoa, Italy with an expected date of arrival of 10 January 2024. Shortly after departing from Agioi Theodoroi, the engineers changed over the boiler fuel consumption to very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) for both boilers. However, the starboard boiler failed repeatedly to start. Eventually, both boilers were restarted on low sulphur marine gas oil (LSMGO). On the morning of 08 January 2024, the engineers, in consultation with the master and chief officer, decided to change over the fuel consumption of the boilers from LSMGO to VLSFO.
Just before 1400, the boiler fuel consumption was changed to very low sulphur fuel oil. Both boilers failed to fire because of low fuel oil temperature. Subsequently, the port boiler started working normally, but the starboard boiler failed to fire. Eventually, another attempt was made to restart it. While it was on the purge cycle, the second engineer went up to the burner platform to inspect it. At 1406, a loud explosion was heard and a fire started at the top of the starboard boiler. The fire alarm sounded within a few seconds.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a safety alert after discovering counterfeit pilot ladders during a Port State Control examination at the Port of Baltimore. The identification plate on the ladder contained several errors, including referencing ISO 779-1 instead of the correct standard, ISO 799-1, and lacking the ISO 799-1 designation type.
Additionally, while the serial number on the ladder matched the accompanying certificate, the number of steps and the length of the ladder did not align with the specifications listed on the certificate. The plate and certificate indicated that the ladder was produced by “QINGDAO GOOD BROTHER MARINE LIFE SAVING APPLIANCE Co. LTD.,” a company that manufactures SOLAS-approved pilot ladders. However, in March 2019, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) identified counterfeit pilot ladders falsely bearing this company’s name and SOLAS certification.
The Coast Guard strongly recommends that ship owners and operators: • Thoroughly inspect pilot ladders to ensure vessels are outfitted with genuine SOLAS-approved equipment.
• Verify certification details. Check for proper ISO approval numbers and ensure the specifications on the certificate match the actual ladder.
Download the marine safety alert at
https://bit.ly/3DZBSKt.
The engineers went up to the boiler platform, to find the second engineer lying unconscious on top of the starboard boiler. The water mist system installed above the port boiler activated and the crew extinguished the fire with the help of portable extinguishers. The second engineer was carried outside onto the poop deck and placed in the dry provision room. The master sought medical advice from the company doctor and broadcast an emergency signal on the Digital Selective Calling system. Although the crew members attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the second engineer passed away at around 1450.
Chemical analysis results made available to the safety investigation revealed that at the time of the explosion, the boiler was burning LSMGO and in the process of changing to VLSFO. The safety investigation believes that the cause of the explosion on boiler no. 1 was excessive vaporised LSMGO inside the unit and the likely presence of unburnt LSMGO inside the boiler.
Read the report in full at
https://bit.ly/4au23Fl.
THE REPORT | MAR 2025 | ISSUE 111 | 33
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