Operational Risk Analysis for Offshore Engineering Vessels

2026-04-06 13:05:22     Category：News & Insights     Browse number：118     Release time：2026-04-06 13:05:22

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Operational Risk Analysis for Offshore Engineering Vessels

Introduction: Giant Vessels and Hidden Hazards in Offshore and Underwater Engineering

Offshore engineering vessels include dredgers, crane vessels, pile drivers, cable-laying vessels, suction sand barges, offshore platforms, and other types. With the development of the marine economy, they play a core role in waterway and port construction. However, insufficient preparation, illegal command, inadequate safety measures, or incomplete emergency plans can easily lead to sudden and catastrophic disasters.

I. Full Perspective of Cases

1. Technical Limit Failure of a Top Giant Vessel – "Orion 1" Crane Boom Breakage

• Incident: On May 2, 2020, the Orion 1, the world’s largest wind turbine installation vessel built by COSCO Shipping with a 5,000-ton Liebherr HLC 295000 crane, suffered a boom breakage at the lower third during load testing at a German terminal.

• Consequence & Warning: The crane boom was completely destroyed with hundreds of millions in direct losses, severely delaying wind farm construction in Scotland. Even top global manufacturing has fatal hidden defects or stress blind spots under extreme load tests.
  
  
  
  

2. Tragedy Due to Lack of Weather Prevention – Yangjiang "Fu Jing 001" Sinking in Typhoon

• Incident: On July 2, 2022, the Fu Jing 001 crane vessel sank in severe typhoon weather in Yangjiang, Guangdong.

• Consequence & Warning: This major accident warned the entire industry against disrespecting nature, forced operation, or delayed sheltering in severe weather.
  
  

3. Cost of Reckless Operation – Qinzhou "2·27" Suffocation on Geng Hai Bo 1201 Split Hopper Barge

• Incident: On February 27, 2018, crew entered the No.1 side air tank without gas detection, causing 3 people to collapse and 1 death.

• Consequence & Warning: Extremely weak safety awareness and lack of basic toxic gas prevention knowledge.
  
  

4. Consequence of Poor Vessel Condition – Explosion of Non-self-propelled Dredger "Vessel G"

• Incident: On September 16, 2022, an explosion occurred on the unpowered dredger during berthing, killing 3 and rupturing the port fuel tank.

• Consequence & Warning: Poor technical condition, use of substandard low-flash fuel, flammable gas leakage and ignition.
  
  

5. Violation of Confined Space Rules – Suffocation in Stern Compartment of Offshore engineering vessels of a Shanghai construction company  

• Incident: On September 30, 2023, a worker suffocated in the stern compartment without permission or protection.

• Consequence & Warning: Typical human error; violation of confined space procedures.
  
  

6. Lack of Corporate Responsibility – Death in Ballast Tank of Offshore engineering vessel of a Tianjin construction company

• Incident: On August 4, 2021, 3 deaths occurred during ballast tank entry without training or qualified crew.

• Consequence & Warning: No proper safety training system; unqualified crew.
  
  

7. Illegal Operation & Aging Machinery – Crane Collapse in Dredging Project

• Incident: On November 3, 2023, a lattice crane collapsed during movement, killing 4 and injuring 1.

• Consequence & Warning: Improper operation causing instability; expired inspection certificate.
  
  

II. Construction Characteristics and High-Risk Attributes

1. Extremely complex equipment: Heavy machinery with low fault tolerance.

2. Complex personnel structure: Mixed crew and construction workers with uneven safety awareness.

3. Highly environment-sensitive: Vulnerable to wind, rain, thunder, currents, and navigation.

4. Difficult management: Numerous confined spaces prone to hypoxia or toxic gases.
   
   

III. Ten Safeguards for Safety Management

1. Complete all certificates (vessel, crew, health).

2. Adequate fire-fighting and life-saving equipment.

3. Reliable communication (VHF, AIS) and updated charts.

4. Obey commands; no illegal instruction.

5. No overloading or unbalanced loading.

6. Clear emergency escape routes; anti-slip in winter.

7. No flammables/explosives; no mixed passenger-cargo.

8. Proper waste and oily water treatment.

9. Regular maintenance and sufficient lighting.

10. Suspend work above Beaufort 6; seek shelter.
    
    

IV. Breakthrough: Scientific Graded Emergency Management

1. Establish an independent emergency management unit.

2. Implement four-level early warning:

• Safe: Normal monitoring

• Quasi-safe: Slight fluctuation, edge warning

• Quasi-crisis: Local hazard signs

• Crisis: Full emergency response

3. Continuous improvement with third-party inspections.
   
   

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V. Conclusion: Fundamental Prevention

1. Enforce corporate safety responsibility.

2. Strict confined space rules: ventilate → test → enter.

3. Strengthen safety redundancy for extreme loads and environments.

4. Risk-based classification by survey authorities; refuse certificates for non-compliance.