Heavylift and rigging specialist Ropeblock, which designed the failed hook that led to the collapse of a crane aboard installation vessel Orion 1, has said current information suggests the hook’s stem “broke”.
The Dutch company based the finding on “limited” initial outcomes from the ongoing investigation but said the exact cause remains unknown, pending the outcome of the probe that will also “zoom in on manufacture of the hook”.
Ropeblock said the component was manufactured by a “certified supplier” familiar with similar and larger components.
“Prior to manufacture the design has been verified by the authorised notified body,” added a company statement.
Ropeblock said it is committed to supporting the investigation and added it was “sincerely shocked” by the accident.
A total of 12 people were injured, including two seriously, when the Liebherr-made crane collapsed last Saturday during load testing aboard the Cosco (Qidong) Offshore-owned vessel that was due to be delivered to DEME Offshore this month.
Liebherr said on Wednesday that investigators “unanimously agree” that the broken hook was behind the accident.
“At Ropeblock we are deeply moved by these events,” added the company.
“First of all, our hearts go out to the wounded and all others involved in the accident. We greatly appreciate the emergency services’ swift and adequate response. At the same time, we are appalled at the impact that this incident has on our customer Liebherr, but certainly also on the industry as a whole.”