Floating Installation Marine System Vulnerability: Global Alert

Abstract

The owners and operators of FPSO’s and FSU’s need to be advised of the risks posed by the uncontrolled flooding of machinery spaces, with regard to the safety of on-board personnel and the vessel itself. The UK Health and Safety Executive has drawn these concerns to the attention of the Classification Societies and the International Association of Classification Societies. A Safety Notice detailing the marine flooding hazards and recommended actions to be taken was issued in December 2003. The global potential for these incidents is highlighted because the methods of operating floating installations differ significantly from those of trading ships and flooding incidents are more frequent than major process accident scenarios.