In a fatal accident, an offshore support vessel (OSV) sank after a collision with an oil production platform in Malaysia
Two offshore workers died when one of Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd’s (DEHB) busiest OSVs struck Petronas Carigali’s Baram B oil platform off the state of Sarawak in northern Borneo.
Multipurpose support vessel Dayang Topaz sank after colliding with the installation in bad weather, 14 km offshore.
This accident highlighted safety issues with anchorage and mooring chains as Dayang Topaz’s anchor chain broke due to strong currents in adverse weather conditions.
Petronas said in a statement this vessel “made contact with platform structures” as it was undertaking operational work on 27 October 2020.
“There were 187 personnel on board at the time of the incident,” said Petronas. “As a result of the incident, 125 personnel jumped overboard.”
These personnel were eventually rescued by the emergency responders and evacuated to Miri. “However, two fatalities were reported,” said Petronas, which added it was “deeply saddened by the incident”.
DEHB’s Dayang Topaz is a maintenance work vessel with accommodation for 199 people. The ABS-classed OSV was built in 2010 in Miri to a Wärtsilä ship design.
The 4,800-gt vessel has an overall length of 80.4 m, breadth of 22 m and draught of 5.3 m. It also has a Favelle Favco lattice boom offshore crane with 45 tonnes safe weight lifting capacity.
Petronas confirmed the accident occurred when Dayang Topaz’s “anchor wire gave way during adverse weather”.
It has started an investigation into the accident. “All relevant authorities have been informed of the incident. Our utmost priority is the safety of all personnel involved,” said Petronas
According to Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research, Dayang Topaz was an important part of DEHB’s fleet and carries out around 20% of maintenance work done by Dayang.
HLIB said there was damage to the offshore crane and related items through the collision and sinking. It expects DEHB will look to salvage and tow Dayang Topaz to a repair yard.
“The vessel should be ready for commissioning again after one to two months,” said HLIB in a note.
“In the meantime, DEHB would either deploy Dayang Zamrud or one of Perdana Petroliam’s unutilised vessels to continue its work for Petronas Carigali,” researchers said.
Dayang Zamrud is a 2008-built, ABS-classed maintenance work vessel, also with a 45-tonne offshore deck crane and accommodation for 189 people.
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