A “lack of situational awareness on the bridge” during pilotage caused a collision involving Fred. Olsen Windcarrier’s jack-up vessel Brave Tern at the port of Esbjerg, Denmark.
The finding was disclosed in parent company Happiness’s second-quarter report and accompanying presentation, which gives more information on the incident that occurred in June.
Brave Tern was in collision with the Cadeler-owned Wind Keeper during operations for RWE‘s Thor offshore wind project. Fred. Olsen Windcarrier’s internal investigation concluded that there were no technical or capability issues with the vessel, with the incident occurring during a manoeuvre as Brave Tern was exiting a narrow passage in Esbjerg Harbour.
‘Too small clearance’
“Direct cause found to be lack of situational awareness on the bridge during pilotage, leading to too small clearance,” said Happiness.
Brave Tern was taken out of operation but returned to service after a three-week repair period.
The disruption had a financial impact on Bonheur’s wind service division, which includes Fred. Olsen Windcarrier and Global Wind Service. The company said second-quarter earnings were negatively affected by costs associated with the Brave Tern incident, as well as other factors including currency effects.
Bonheur’s wind service division generated revenues of NOK147 billion (USD15.06 million) in the quarter, compared with NOK1.452 billion (USD150 million) in the same period last year, while EBITDA declined to NOK326 million (USD33.4 million) from NOK584 million (USD59.83 million).
Liabilities
Bonheur said provisions for expected liabilities related to the incident had been recognised in the second-quarter accounts.
Despite the impact, the company highlighted continued strength in the offshore wind installation market. It said the market outlook for wind turbine installation vessels remains tight, with limited vessel availability expected in the medium term.
The contract backlog for Fred. Olsen Windcarrier’s Tern fleet increased to EUR1.006 billion (USD1.15 billion) at the end of the quarter, up from EUR986 million (USD1.13 billion) at the end of the previous quarter, following an extension to an existing contract.
