A newly constructed specialist cargo vessel narrowly averted a serious hearth after a temperature probe in its principal propulsion system gearbox indifferent throughout a voyage, resulting in a major oil leak. Working at 25 bar, the oil was ejected forcefully from the gearbox, creating an oil jet that sprayed a big portion of the engine room, together with a operating principal engine, reviews MAIB.
Incident Overview
The oil leak occurred when the temperature probe, held in place by a pipe compression becoming, indifferent resulting from inadequate tightening through the vessel’s development. Consequently, the gearbox oil was pressured out below excessive stress, masking the engine room, together with crucial elements such because the engine exhaust lagging, which started to smoke.
Upon detecting the low oil stress alarm, the vessel’s engineers shortly responded by stopping the engines and informing the captain. The crew promptly went to emergency stations, with the firefighting workforce donning their respiration equipment and getting ready for a possible hearth. Anticipating ignition, the engineers strategically positioned foam hearth extinguishers close to the oil-soaked areas.
Their proactive method paid off when the exhaust lagging caught hearth a couple of minutes later. The crew shortly extinguished the flames with foam, stopping additional injury. Small subsequent fires have been additionally effectively managed.
Investigation and Aftermath
After safely reaching port, an investigation was carried out involving the shipbuilder and gearbox producer. The probe becoming, which had not been totally tightened through the construct, was recognized as the reason for the incident. The probe was held by an insubstantial becoming that, as soon as free, couldn’t face up to the oil stress, resulting in the leak.
To forestall future incidents, the producer designed a brand new, extra sturdy becoming and probe housing that might be securely tightened and altered whereas the propulsion system was operational.
Classes Discovered
Crew Readiness: The crew’s fast response and familiarity with emergency procedures performed a vital position in stopping a possible catastrophe. Their preparedness and proactive measures, reminiscent of inserting foam extinguishers close to high-risk areas, have been key to managing the state of affairs successfully.
Enhanced Monitoring: New vessels usually encounter unexpected points as soon as operational. Elevated vigilance and thorough monitoring through the preliminary months can assist detect and deal with these snags early. A deep understanding of onboard methods is important in mitigating surprising challenges.
Improved Gear Design: The incident highlighted the significance of strong gear design, significantly in crucial methods. Poorly designed elements improve the chance of failure and might result in harmful conditions. The redesigned becoming supplied by the producer ensures larger security and reliability, permitting for upkeep with out disrupting operations.
This incident underscores the significance of crew readiness, thorough monitoring of latest vessels, and the necessity for dependable, well-designed gear in sustaining maritime security.
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Supply: MAIB
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