The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has released its Report following the investigation into the incident that occurred while decommissioning at the Ewing Banks (EW) 921 A, OCS-G 12142 tension leg platform (TLP) on February 2, 2020. The platform is owned by ENI US Operating Co. Inc. During the incident, a crane on the vessel was removing the pipeline when it struck the platform, causing damage to both the platform and the crane.
The BSEE report explained the vessel that was hired was not designed for the work necessary in the job:
Before the lift, the engineering and installation contractor reported to ENI that the vessel they chartered to conduct the work on ENI’s behalf had sufficient capacity (bollard pull) to hold position while the pipeline was being disconnected and abandoned. It was discovered this was incorrect while trying to remove the disconnected riser.
Vessel thrusters were performing as designed according to the vessel owner. However, the vessel was not designed for the required bollard pull. The engineering and installation contractor performed extensive calculations for all stages of the lift, but they did not confirm the vessel’s bollard pull against these calculations.
Luckily, no injuries were reported in the incident. However it shows the risks that are involved in all offshore work. Safe companies must use proper equipment to perform their work. Failing to do so puts both the environment and hardworking offshore laborers at risk.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in maritime injury and wrongful death litigation in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives as a result of the negligence of another party, or been seriously injured. We have handled numerous cases involving injuries that occurred on offshore platforms. The experienced offshore accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an offshore accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or 877-678-5864 to learn more about your legal rights.