Company uses scenario of collision between LNG carrier and fishing boat for training.
The scenario for MOL’s emergency response drill Friday was a collision between an LNG carrier and a fishing boat near the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan.
“The drill was designed to demonstrate that the company can respond swiftly and appropriately in case of a serious marine incident and maintain the timely flow of accurate information,” the company said. “MOL also strives to further sharpen its group-wide emergency response readiness through these regular exercises.”
In the emergency scenario, the LNG carrier collided with the fishing boat while attempting to evade another ship. The boat capsized, and three crewmembers were thrown overboard. One was rescued but was unconscious and in critical condition; two others were missing, according to MOL. The collision, which occurred in shallow water, left a hole in the bottom of the LNG carrier’s hull, and seawater flooded the ballast tank. The vessel was anchored near the site, but the carrier’s boil-off gas treatment system malfunctioned, making it impossible to control the cargo tank pressure.
“The time frame of the drill spanned from the occurrence of the incident to a simulated press conference and verified the company’s capability to ensure smooth cooperation and information gathering among the vessel, ship management company, concerned divisions and the company’s emergency control headquarters,” MOL said.
MOL said the drills are designed “to make sure that every employee has a higher awareness of safety and to help the company forge ahead to become a world leader in safe operation, while developing and enhancing a solid emergency response structure.”
MOL conducts emergency response drill
