AmericasDry CargoOffshore

NTSB completes investigation of 2022 collision in Mississippi

In March 2022, the mobile offshore drilling unit VALARIS DS-16 broke away from the dock at the ST Engineering Halter Marine and Offshore Shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, then drifted across the Bayou Casotte channel, and collided with the bulk cargo vessel Akti moored at the Chevron Refinery dock no.6. There were no injuries or pollution reported. Total damage resulting from the breakaway was estimated at $5m.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has now finished its investigation of that incident and released a report with lessons learned.

The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the breakaway of the drillship from the dock was the failure of one of the shipyard’s mooring bollards – which had been modified to increase its height to accommodate more lines – used to secure the bow mooring lines to a pier, during a cold front with strong winds.

NTSB’s report noted that, “as a result of continuing increases in vessel size and sail area, bollards that were previously sufficient may not have adequate capacity to moor larger vessels.” Further, “due to their exposure to seawater, bollards and associated pierside mooring equipment are also at high risk for corrosion, which can significantly affect service life.”

There are currently no US Coast Guard or Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulatory requirements for facilities to inspect and verify loading capacities of bollards at shoreside facilities. As a result of the VALARIS DS-16 incident, the Coast Guard has recommended that facility owners and operators develop routine inspection programs for bollards and other mooring equipment.

Kim Biggar

Kim Biggar started writing in the supply chain sector in 2000, when she joined the Canadian Association of Supply Chain & Logistics Management. In 2004/2005, she was project manager for the Government of Canada-funded Canadian Logistics Skills Committee, which led to her 13-year role as communications manager of the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council. A longtime freelance writer, Kim has contributed to publications including The Forwarder, 3PL Americas, The Shipper Advocate and Supply Chain Canada.
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