Coast Guard monitors repairs to LNG carrier
The US Coast Guard monitored repairs onboard the LNG carrier Excel, in Homer, Alaska.
Coast Guard Sector Anchorage issued an order for the vessel to remain anchored in Kachemak Bay near Homer after the 908 ft, Belgium-flagged vessel experienced a loss of propulsion due to a failed engineering gasket while inbound to Cook Inlet.
Coast Guard inspection
The Excel was examined by Coast Guard inspectors from Marine Safety Detachment Homer, who conducted a Port State Control annual exam and verified the engineering gasket was replaced.
While preparing to get underway, the vessel experienced an automated engineering casualty and cancelled its voyage until a Bureau Veritas (BV) classification surveyor was able to verify that the engineering casualty was fully resolved. The class surveyor deduced that the casualty was a product of a faulty engine order telegraph. The Coast Guard issued another order for the vessel to remain in Kachemak Bay.
ConocoPhillips LNG
The vessel was later allowed to continue sailing to her destination at the ConocoPhillips LNG plant in Nikiski after additional safety measures were implemented. As part of the safety measures, the tug Stellar Wind escorted the vessel from Kachemack Bay to Nikiski and a second tug, the Glacier Wind, stood by in Nikiski to assist with docking operations.
The Excel completed her voyage and safely moored at the ConocoPhillips pier in Nikiski where it will remain until the class surveyor and Coast Guard inspectors verify permanent repairs.
Safe navigation
Captain Paul Mehler III commented: “Ensuring safe navigation in Western Alaska, particularly in Cook Inlet, is one of my highest priorities. Our crews worked closely with the Southwest Alaska Pilots Association, the class surveyor and towing vessel industry to coordinate a safe and secure transit of the Excel from Kachemak Bay to Nikiski. The weather was also in our favour with clear skies, light winds, and steady ebb tide during the transit in Cook Inlet.”
Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward
Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/05052015/lng-carrier-monitored-after-propulsion-failure-688/
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