Working Conditions Aboard the Akti

A recent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed that the drillship 'Valaris' broke loose due to a weakened bollard, resulting in a collision with the bulk carrier 'Akti' on March 12, 2022, in Pascagoula. The incident occurred while the drilling unit was being reactivated at the ST Engineering Halter Marine and Offshore Shipyard (STEHMO). Strong winds, ranging from 30 to 40 knots with gusts up to 50 knots, caused one of the bollards to snap off its base and detach from the pier. The 'Valaris' subsequently drifted across the Bayou Casotte channel before striking the 'Akti.' Fortunately, all crew members onboard—164 from the drillship and 22 from the bulker—remained unharmed, and there were no reports of environmental pollution. Damage estimates from the incident total approximately $5 million. The 'Valaris' had been tethered to six bollards at the STEHMO pier, where ultrasonic inspections post-collision indicated significant decay in the lower portions of several bollards, with many showing external corrosion. The incident also shed light on modifications made to the bollards since their original design in 1997, as vertical components were added to accommodate additional mooring lines. As a result of the allision, the drillship sustained considerable damage to systems including the riser handling setup, deck fittings, and other onboard equipment, valued at around $4.2 million. Meanwhile, the 'Akti' incurred damages totaling $778,000, affecting its starboard-side bridge wing, handrails, and side shell plating. The cost to replace the faulty bollard is estimated at $20,000, but it was not retrieved from the channel after the accident. Despite the incident, there were no damages reported to Chevron dock no. 6, where the 'Akti' was secured. In response to the incident, STEHMO has already replaced 10 of the 14 bollards at their facility and plans to replace an 11th bollard by the end of March 2023. Shipyard managers are now assessing the safe working load of the newly installed bollards and preparing for a pull test utilizing a tugboat.

In an incident that unfolded on the morning of March 12, 2022, the drill ship 'Valaris DS 16' broke free from its mooring amid strong winds and collided with the cargo vessel 'Akti' near the VT Halter Shipyards and Chevron docks in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The U.S. Coast Guard quickly responded to the scene, assessing the damage sustained by both vessels, which fortunately appeared to be minor. There was also slight damage reported to the nearby pier. Coast Guard Sector Mobile dispatched three members from their prevention team to oversee the situation promptly. Thankfully, no injuries or environmental pollution have been reported as a result of this accident. The shipping channel, which had earlier been closed due to inclement weather, remained off-limits until the two vessels were safely separated. For further details, you can view the Coast Guard's report with accompanying visuals at [this link](https://coastguardnews.com/coast-guard-responds-to-vessel-collision-in-pascagoula-mississippi/2022/03/12/).

On February 28, 2020, the bulk carrier 'Western Seattle' found itself in a precarious situation when it was boarded by four intruders while navigating towards Singapore. This incident occurred roughly 3.5 miles east of Pulau Karimun Kecil, situated in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) within the Singapore Strait. The alert crew quickly notified their captain, who promptly raised the alarm and assembled all personnel in the wheelhouse. Following procedural protocol, the captain communicated the event to the Vessel Traffic Information System Singapore. Thankfully, there was no direct confrontation between the crew and the intruders, and nothing was taken during the incident. Upon the vessel's arrival in Singapore, the Republic of Singapore Navy escorted it safely to shore. The Singapore Police Coast Guard then conducted a thorough search of the ship, but no suspects were located.