202403 - Oil drip caught before it became a deluge

A tanker had just finished discharging and crew were preparing for departure. The portable gangway that had been secured on the dock was to be retrieved using the vessel’s hose handling crane.

As work progressed, the crew spotted a minor leak from one of the hydraulic hoses of the crane and interrupted the operation. The hydraulic hose was replaced and appropriate tests were carried out. Once the crew were satisfied of the operational integrity of the crane, the portable gangway was retrieved and the vessel subsequently sailed without further delay.

Although the failed hose was a genuine part and was within the usable time frame, a hidden defect in the hose had escaped detection until the leak appeared.

 

Lessons learned

• If a flexible hydraulic hose leaks during an operation, never hesitate to suspend the work. Identify and correct the cause of the leakage before a drip becomes a deluge.
• Defects or damage to high-pressure flexible hydraulic hoses present a safety and pollution risk and should immediately be addressed.
• All parts of cranes, including the hydraulic pipes and hoses, must be thoroughly and effectively inspected.