Casualty Information
No. 106 - June 2020
Overdue Maintenance of Engines
and Equipment
“We will most likely see an increase in
overdue maintenance due to reduced
Norwegian Hull Club wishes to emphasise the importance Example A
Incorrect type of sealing rings or packings may cause availability of spare parts .”
of safety on board by focusing on welfare, environment, serious damage and even fire in the engine room, such
assets and the sharing of useful experience. as shown in the examples below.
In this Casualty Information newsletter, we focus on taking measures regarding
use of non-original or incorrect spare parts used in
Example C
connection with overhaul or repairs to engines and equipment onboard the vessel.
Oil quality reduced due to contamination – late
response from a test laboratory to provide results from
The importance of close dialogue with Engine Maker and Class Society in case of oil samples due to logistics issues.
overdue maintenance is stressed. In instances where a vessel has not been able to send
samples to a laboratory, or if case analysis reports
from a laboratory are delayed, we would recommend
considering replenishing or changing the oil. Close
monitoring of filters and purifiers at all times is very
important.
Dear Seafarer,
Ship Managers and crews do their utmost to ensure Typical situations
the operational status of their vessels - of course, this The following points provide an overview of typical
applies even in challenging times. During the current situations a crew might have to deal with:
COVID-19 pandemic, for example, there is the
challenge of the availability of service technicians and 1) Maintenance and overhaul carried out without
spare parts being negatively affected. enough spare parts to complete the overhaul
As Norwegian Hull Club has experienced cases 2) Service Engineers not available, and crew lacking
concerning damage to machinery equipment caused competence required to perform the overhaul without
by a lack of spare parts - although it should be noted supervision and support
that not all were directly linked to COVID-19 - we want
to draw your attention to the following: 3) Incorrect spare parts / old spare parts used during Please check the specification of seals to
overhaul. ensure the correct type is used for the medium, Overdue Maintenance
Risk Assessment pressure and temperature. During the months to come, we will most likely see an
We would strongly recommend carrying out a Risk 4) Incorrect tools used increase in overdue maintenance due to a reduced
Assessment in regard to overdue maintenance. Such availability of spare parts and service personnel.
an assessment – with the aim of identifying risks and 5) Lack of performance evaluation after overhaul Example B
introducing mitigants where appropriate – would help Incorrect type of piston ring is installed (for the fuel In addition, when the restrictions are lifted, an
to reduce the likelihood of damage. 6) Lack of Class surveyors type in use) due to no spares being available. Piston increased demand for both of these can be expected,
rings are then worn out after short time in operation, both on board ships in operation and ships in yards.
When planning such an assessment, remember to resulting in a long off-hire period before the correct
have the right people involved in order to best ensure type of piston rings are received on board. Therefore, we would strongly recommend that Owners
all necessary elements, scenarios and perspectives are and Managers maintain a close dialogue with engine
considered. Identified risks should be prioritised, while and equipment makers. This will assist in advising the
their respective risk owners should be defined. Clear crew on how to handle work despite the ongoing
communication of the assessment’s findings should be situation and help reduce the likelihood of high-cost
performed to ensure the correct actions are taken by repairs and off-hire periods.
the appropriate individuals.
Questions? [email protected]
Most engine makers may provide operation guidance
in case of overdue maintenance, such as advice on
Recommendations
performance testing and improved monitoring to help
prevent damage.
By sharing our experiences from surveys
Generally, a postponed main overhaul would require related to damage on board clients’ vessels,
more frequent minor maintenance and checks in order Norwegian Hull Club aims to highlight possible
to avoid potential damage. measures that can be taken to prevent serious
incidents occurring.
In instances of postponed maintenance and
overhaul of engines and machinery on board your
vessel due to lack of spares and service providers,
we strongly recommend maintaining close dialogue
with makers and suppliers in order to handle the
situation in the best possible way.
With proper barriers put in place, severe damage
may very well be avoided - crucial, particularly if
the supply of services and spares is not at “normal”
levels.
Norwegian Hull Club wishes you all fair winds
and following seas.
Questions? [email protected]
