Real Life Incident : Engine Room Takes On Water During Repair

A vessel was moored at a shipyard to repair an exhaust gas scrubber overboard discharge pipe. As part of the repair process, divers installed a cofferdam on the outside of the ship’s hull.

Once the cofferdam had been installed, repairs started with the removal of the pipe inside the engine room. The new pipe was then fitted and partially welded to the hull. The first welding pass covered approximately 50% of the pipe circumference. The inboard flange on the new overboard pipe was tag-welded. As a new work crew came in a leak was discovered. Immediately the divers, still in the water, were informed and they attempted to close the leak at the cofferdam.

The water in the engine room bilges was rising quickly, so the general alarm was raised. About 15 minutes later, for the safety of the vessel and her crew, the Master decided to start pumping the sea water overboard through the emergency bilge arrangement. It was also decided to quickly reduce the ship’s draft aft by pumping ballast directly overboard, bypassing the ballast water treatment plant.

Local and national authorities, the company emergency response team, insurance and Flag State were promptly informed. After four hours the emergency was under control and definitive repairs were carried out as per the plan.

The investigation revealed that heat from welding could have caused deformation of the ship’s side plating, causing the cofferdam to lose watertight integrity. Also, the flat cofferdam did not form a perfect seal with the hull due to a slight curvature at that location.

Lessons learned

The task was executed by an external team, resulting in limited crew participation. Close coordination and supervision of contractors by crew provides an added layer of safety.
In an emergency, pumping bilge water and ballast directly overboard is allowed within MARPOL and the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments.

Reference: The Nautical Institute

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.