Investigation Report
Towed Tank Barge Strikes Unmanned Production Platform
04-14-2026 0600 00133 GL 47 L Structural Damage, Incident > $25K, Collision > $25K
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Human factorsMechanical failureStructural and asset integrityVessel collision
- Inspection and maintenanceNavigationTowing
- Navigation and positioning equipment
- Competence and trainingOperational supervisionSafety communication
- Marine industryUpstream oil and gas
- Offshore installationVessel
Summary
Investigation of a towed tank barge striking an unmanned production platform in the Gulf of America. Findings identify unauthorised independent navigation, inadequate watch supervision, misunderstood watch-relief instructions and a lost GOB chain restricting manoeuvrability. The allision damaged both assets without reported injuries or pollution; structural assessments preceded restoration of production.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Structural and asset integrity; asset integrity; structural integrity.
Classifications: Vessel collision; ship collision; marine allision.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Navigation; vessel navigation; passage planning.
Classifications: Towing; towage.
Classifications: Navigation and positioning equipment; ECDIS; AIS; chart plotters.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.