FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS A sudden loss of lubricating oil pressure threatened disaster for a laden tanker sailing in rough weather. NARRATIVE A tanker loaded with 1,500 tons of mixed product was on its regular run. The southerly wind was at Force 7, which created rough four-metre swells. After his rounds, the chief engineer left the engine room for some paper work in his cabin. Minutes later, the engine room alarm repeater sounded in his cabin. The lubricating oil low level warning was activated. There was no oil level on the dipstick. The oil was not being returned from the sump by the oil scavenge pump. As the ship was just four miles from the coast and with the weather worsening, the master decided to maintain propulsion for as long as possible to avoid grounding. He informed the management which arranged for tug support. He alerted the coast guard 55 minutes later. More oil was transferred to the engine manually but the oil level remained almost zero. Two lifeboats and a navy vessel arrived and towed the vessel to port. The tugs arrived ten hours later. Investigation revealed that the oil return gearwheel pump drive shaft had sheared due to torsional overload, caused by the pump becoming seized by a sliver of metal. It fractured the cast steel sump through which the oil escaped. The metal was believed to have been part of a roller bearing that was drawn up from the scavenge pump. LESSONS -Because of the delay in alerting shore authorities, had the main engine failed, it would have taken a longer time to mobilise resources to aid the vessel. -Ensure that communication equipment is fit for purpose, that the systems are regularly checked from all operating positions and that defects are promptly attended to. -Keep bilges free of fluids to both prevent the risk of fire and to aid identification of sources of leakage. -Ensure that engine sumps are thoroughly cleaned of debris. -Consider if it is appropriate to fit a gravity run down system from lubricating oil storage tanks to sumps/engine oil tanks to rapidly fill these in an emergency. Source: UK MAIB
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 07:24:19 +0000
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