A Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report published in 2025 has traced an engine failure and subsequent fire aboard the Kommandor Susan — a vessel that services offshore wind farms — to non-genuine components installed during a major overhaul in 2019.
The investigation found that non-OEM bearings installed during the overhaul had a weaker material bonding than genuine parts. This degradation led to a mechanical failure that eventually ignited a fire in the engine room. The crew was unharmed, but the incident has been cited as a serious warning for the offshore sector’s approach to maintenance and spare part sourcing.
In offshore wind operations, service vessels like the Kommandor Susan operate under demanding conditions, often far from port and in harsh weather. Equipment reliability is especially critical in this environment, where a mechanical failure cannot simply be addressed by calling in a nearby workshop. The MAIB report adds to a growing body of evidence linking unauthorised or grey-market spare parts to preventable maritime incidents.
The case is being circulated by suppliers of authenticated marine components as evidence of the commercial and safety risks of grey-market parts. Industry analysts note that as the offshore wind fleet expands and existing vessels age, supply chain integrity is becoming an increasingly significant operational issue — one that fleet operators and wind farm developers will need to address more systematically in their maintenance contracts and procurement procedures.
