Reviews & Ratings for the Saipem-7000

The tragic incident involving the 'Saipem 7000' crane vessel and the drilling platform 'Noble Regina Allen' in the Botlek area on February 21, 2024, has prompted a scathing assessment from the Dutch Safety Board (OVV). According to their report, Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam notably failed to adequately assess the risks posed by simultaneous operations at their shipyard, which contributed to the fatal accident that claimed the life of a 59-year-old welder. The accident occurred during a docking maneuver when the crane vessel veered off course, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. At the time, the welder was performing tasks on scaffolding outside the drilling platform and tragically fell into the water. His body was not recovered until over three weeks later. The OVV has underscored the need for improved risk management protocols at the Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam facility. They highlighted that complex tasks conducted simultaneously necessitate a more robust risk assessment approach. This includes ensuring that all involved parties are well-informed about potential hazards and engage in prior discussions regarding risk management strategies. It is essential for pilots to adequately prepare for the safe handling of intricate activities such as docking, including continual verification of risk assumptions with all stakeholders. The Regional Pilotage Corporation Rotterdam-Rijnmond holds the responsibility of ensuring that pilots effectively prepare for such operations. As part of its recommendations, the OVV urged collaboration between Damen Shiprepair, the Regional Pilotage Corporation, and Saipem to discuss potential risks and safety measures ahead of complex operations. The onus of managing risks during simultaneous activities rests primarily with the shipyard, and it is crucial for all parties to stay aligned with pre-established agreements, particularly in cases where deviations from safety protocols occur, such as exceeding wind limits. To enhance safety in operations like docking the 'Saipem 7000', the involved parties must maximize their collective contributions to risk reduction through thorough pre-operation dialogue, risk assessment, and clear communication plans. Following the incident, Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam has already initiated several measures aimed at bolstering safety protocols, especially regarding risk management during docking operations. The OVV has recommended that Damen, along with all partners, establish a structured risk management approach that incorporates input from all relevant stakeholders and revisits potential risk scenarios regularly. They also called for the enhancement of Life-Saving Rules, encouraging employees to actively engage in discussions about their implementation. In the Netherlands, piloting on designated waterways is obligatory and is managed by registered pilots, who are charged with ensuring the safe maneuvering of vessels. The OVV has advised the Regional Pilotage Corporation Rotterdam-Rijnmond to periodically review and refine their operational procedures to better prepare pilots for complex missions. This should include updating them on available resources while ensuring compliance and effective communication among all parties involved. Saipem, as the client for docking operations, is also urged to establish clear agreements about operational execution amongst the bridge team and pilots, delineating responsibilities and communication methods to address any uncertainties during operations. This thorough evaluative approach aims to prevent future tragedies and safeguard the lives of those working within complex marine operation landscapes.

A crew of approximately 300 individuals on the 'Saipem 7000' has been required to stay on the vessel docked in Eemshaven after a crew member tested positive for COVID-19. The crew member was hospitalized on March 23, 2020, prompting immediate safety measures. Following consultations with the GGD (Public Health Service), it was determined that no personnel would be allowed to board or disembark the ship during this time. Fortunately, the infected crew member has since been discharged from the hospital. As he had already undergone isolation while on board, the GGD has now deemed it unnecessary to impose further quarantine on the rest of the crew.

The renowned Saipem 7000, recognized as one of the world's preeminent semi-submersible cranes and pipelaying vessels, has docked at Damen Verolme Rotterdam (DVR) for an extensive upgrade of its dynamic positioning system (DPS). This overhaul aims to transform its current DP3 setup into a cutting-edge closed ring DP3 configuration, adhering to ABS EHS-P notation standards. With the implementation of the DP3 EHS-P notation, the Saipem 7000 will achieve a remarkable redundancy level, featuring four independent redundancy groups for superior operational safety. Key aspects of the upgrade include enhancements to the vessel's power system to facilitate effective load sharing, the installation of medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) control cables, and the renewal of MV and LV switchboards along with the motor control centers. Additionally, uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) will be integrated into the system, complemented by the development of an A60 compartment to bolster safety protocols. Damen Verolme Rotterdam is undertaking detailed engineering works in close collaboration with Saipem to ensure the successful completion of these vital upgrades.