The audit was conducted on 27 and 28 May 2020.
Background
On 7 June 2019, the supply vessel Sjoborg collided with Statfjord A. Both the operator, Equinor, and the PSA conducted investigations of the incident.
The PSA’s investigation report is available here: Statfjord A – investigation of collision by vessel (21 November 2019)
The audit also formed part of a series of audits of how the operators define requirements for and ensure emergency preparedness functions on the part of vessels.
Objective
The objective of the audit was to follow up measures ensuing from Equinor’s investigation and improvement points from the PSA’s investigation report.
Equinor has recommended three packages of measures as learning opportunities. The PSA’s investigation identified improvement points relating to compliance with activity-specific operational guidelines and the handling of bulk hoses.
In addition, we wanted to verify how Equinor defines requirements for and ensures emergency preparedness functions on the part of vessels. Notably, we wanted to examine the systems in place for following up the shipowner, and how it is ensured that the vessel fulfils its requirements to handle hazard and accident situations in a safe manner.
Result
Non-conformities were identified relating to inadequate requirements specifications for emergency response vessels in governing documents, and an inadequate system for communicating emergency-preparedness performance requirements to emergency response vessels, as well as an improvement point relating to the competence-monitoring system.
What happens now?
We have asked Equinor to report on how the non-conformities will be addressed and for their assessment of the improvement point observed. The deadline for this is set at 14 August 2020.