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The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has cited survey failings in the results of its investigation into the loss of propulsion control and subsequent contact with a moored barge by Oceandiva London.
On June 22, 2023, the inland waterways passenger vessel lost propulsion control and contacted a moored hopper barge at Halfway Reach on the River Thames, London. Oceandiva London was undergoing propulsion trials as part of its Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) survey required for the issue of a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate.
The impact damage to Oceandiva London included breaches to its hull plating above the waterline with deformation of decks and structural frames. There were no passengers on board and none of the six crew or 12 contractors were injured.
Oceandiva London’s propulsion and electrical power system was supplied by a stored energy system with two battery banks driving two electric motors and a bow thruster. On the day of the accident the attending MCA surveyor’s requirement was to trial the power and propulsion system under various operating conditions, including in system failure mode.
The first set of trials involved depleting the batteries to verify battery performance. The next set of trials assessed maneuvering…