MPV Everest Fire Illustrates Hazards of Remote, Harsh Environments

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released a report on a 2021 fire that occurred aboard a multi-purpose vessel chartered by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) in the Southern Ocean. The fire occurred in the port engine room of the MPV Everest while it was en route from Mawson Station in East Antarctica to Hobart, Tasmania, with 37 crew members and 72 AAD personnel on board. The fire was contained and extinguished without injuries or pollution, but it caused significant damage to the ship’s power generation and machinery.

The investigation revealed several contributing factors to the fire, including technical failures, inadequate watchkeeping practices, crew fatigue, and design defects in the ship itself. The report also identified eight safety issues, including violations of international regulations and deficiencies in the ship’s safety management system. The AAD has since conducted an independent review of its procurement process and shipping standard operating procedures, leading to process improvements.

The ATSB emphasized the challenges of operating in remote and harsh environments and highlighted the need for vessels to operate at the highest levels of crewing, expertise, equipment availability, and emergency response in these waters. The report can be found on the ATSB’s website.

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