Ship type: Tanker for Oil Products Size: 20-30,000 grt Year of build: 1996
Damaged auxiliary engine.
The port auxiliary engine was operating under normal conditions when a fire started in way of the manifold. It was decided to evacuate the engine room and the CO2 system was released eleven minutes after detection of the fire. After approximately half an hour, the fire was confirmed extinguished.
Extent of damage
The auxiliary engine was damaged. The automation cables and blender system (cables and accessories) were also damaged. All three auxiliary engines needed a complete overhaul. No personal injuries occured.
Probable cause
The fire was caused by the bursting of the fuel injection pipe on cylinder No. 3. The released fuel hit the hot exhaust gas manifold and ignited. The fuel pipe connecting bolts had probably come loose, which allowed the pipe to vibrate excessively leading to a rupture.
The fuel pipe protection covers had not been replaced following a recent repair to the fuel oil pipe from cylinder No.1. This was the second fuel pipe failure within a short period. It is therefore possible that deterioration of the fuel pipes due to age and/or reduced quality on the part of the manufacturer were contributing factors.
A fire detector was fitted on top of the engine and found to be in good working condition. However, the ventilation deviated the smoke from the sensor, resulting in the detector between the centre and starboard engines sounding instead. The detection of the fire was therefore probably delayed.
Lessons to be learned
" Special safety procedures are to be applied when doing repairs/
maintenance affecting fire safety. Preferably, lagging which does not deteriorate easily due to frequent fitting/dismantling should be used.
" Fitting bolts for the fuel injection pipes should be regularly checked for proper tightness.
" Fuel pipes should be regularly inspected and replaced whenever necessary.
" Fire detectors should be properly located and confirmed to work properly in normal ventilation conditions.