Operators of an oil supply ship that crashed into a platform in the North Sea put workers at risk by not operating safely in an exclusion zone, a report has said.

The incident happened at Apache's Forties Echo platform in the Forties oil field on the 16 March 2015.

The PSV Sea Falcon entered the 500 metre safety zone around the Forties Echo offshore installation, operated by Apache North Sea Limited, located in Licence Blocks 21/10 and 22/6a of the UKCS, traversed the 500 metre zone at excessive speed (peaks above 4 knots), on a heading directly towards the installation, and did not adopt a final 'set up’ position to ensure station keeping arrangements were stable before moving alongside the installation to commence working operations, contrary to your own company marine operations procedures, Apache North Sea Limited’s marine operations procedures and recognised marine industry practice and guidelines

There were no injuries, or leak, caused by the incident.

The Sea Falcon entered the 500m zone at "excessive speed", above four knots, when guidelines recommended less than half a knot.

The ship hit the platform, causing significant damage to both the topside and the ship itself.

The Sea Falcon's owner, Deep Sea Supply, was issued with an improvement notice as a result.

The field is 110 miles north east of Aberdeen.

Source: www.offshoreenergytoday.com

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