Kommandor Susan Engine Failure & Fire

Operational Briefing: Kommandor Susan Engine Failure and Fire

What Happened:

The site investigation vessel Kommandor Susan experienced a catastrophic failure of one of its diesel generator engines on 25 January 2025, while conducting sea trials in the Firth of Forth, Scotland. This severe incident led to an engine room fire and a complete power blackout on board. The crew promptly mustered and a fire team successfully extinguished the fire using a portable fire extinguisher. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the diesel generator engine sustained significant damage.

Immediate Operational Checks:

In light of this incident, fellow officers and independent mariners should immediately review their vessel’s engine maintenance protocols, particularly focusing on the oversight of recent engine overhauls and the procurement and quality assurance of spare parts. It is crucial to ensure that all diesel generator engines are maintained strictly according to manufacturer specifications and that all planned maintenance records are meticulous and up-to-date. Verify that spare parts are sourced from reputable suppliers and that their authenticity and quality are confirmed before installation. Consider changing hoses and connections ahead of schedule as a preventive measure.

Lessons Learned:

• Potential deficiencies in the oversight of engine overhauls.
• Possible issues related to the quality and suitability of spare parts used during engine maintenance.
• The critical importance of robust engine maintenance regimes to prevent catastrophic failures.
• The necessity of effective crew response and firefighting capabilities for engine room fires and power blackouts.

Tags:

Engine Failure, Fire, Power Blackout, Maintenance, Spare Parts

Official Report

Read the full safety report here: Kommandor Susan report published