Safety issue
| Safety issue description |
The processes for monitoring the condition of the brushless exciter units’ electrical insulation were ineffective in detecting deterioration prior to unit failure. |
|---|---|
| Issue number | MO-2017-003-SI-01 |
| Issue owner | Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH) and ABB Industry Oy (ABB) |
| Transport function | Marine: Shipboard operations |
| Issue status | Closed – Adequately addressed |
| Date issue released | 24/05/2018 |
| Issue status justification |
The ATSB is satisfied with the action taken by ABB Oy and NCLH in response to the recommendation issued by the ATSB. |
Safety action
| Action type | Safety recommendation |
|---|---|
| Action number | MO-2017-003-SR-002 |
| Organisation | ABB Industry Oy (ABB) |
| Action date | 24/05/2018 |
| Action description |
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that ABB reviews the manufacturer’s instructions for monitoring the condition of the brushless exciter units used in Azipod installations. The review should incorporate findings from the examination of the failed equipment following the dry docking of Norwegian Star. |
| ATSB response |
The ATSB is satisfied with ongoing safety actions by ABB Oy. |
| Action status | Closed |
Organisation response
| Date received | 16/02/2021 |
|---|---|
| Organisation | ABB Oy |
| Response status | Closed |
| Response text |
ABB Oy continues to conduct tests and research into failures of the exciter unit of the Azipod propulsion units. The progress on these activities is being reported eto classification society DNV-GL. At this time no changes have been recommended to the maintenance or inspection regime for the exciter units of the Azipods. There have been no further failures of these units |
| ATSB response |
The ATSB is satisfied with the action taken by ABB Oy and NCLH in response to the recommendation issued by the ATSB. |
| ATSB response date | 17/02/2021 |
Safety action
| Action type | Safety recommendation |
|---|---|
| Action number | MO-2017-003-SR-001 |
| Organisation | Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH) |
| Action date | 24/05/2018 |
| Action description |
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that NCLH reviews the shipboard processes for monitoring the condition of the brushless exciter units used in Azipod installations. The review should incorporate findings from the examination of the failed equipment following the dry docking of Norwegian Star. |
| ATSB response |
ABB Oy has advised the ATSB that the investigation into the failure of the exciter unit is ongoing with ABB Oy, NCLH and the Classification Societies routinely meeting to determine the root cause of the failure. The ATSB is satisfied with the the action taken by ABB Oy and NCLH in response to the recommendation issued by the ATSB. |
| Action status | Closed |
Organisation response
| Date received | 16/02/2021 |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings |
| Response status | Closed |
| Response text |
ABB Oy continues to conduct tests and research into failures of the exciter unit of the Azipod propulsion units. The progress of theses activities is being reported to classification society DNV-GL. At this time no changes have been recommended to the maintenance or inspection regime for the exciter units of the Azipods. There has been no further failures of these units. |
| ATSB response |
The ATSB is satisfied with the action taken by ABB Oy and NCLH in response to the recommendation issued by the ATSB. |
| ATSB response date | 17/02/2021 |