IMCA informed about a severe engine failure during a major vessel overhaul. Namely, the connection rod on a cylinder parted from the connecting rod cap and created a hole in the engine block. The engine had been operating for 17 hours, carrying approximately a 20% load.
The incident
An engine failure took place during a major vessel overhaul. The connection rod on cylinder #12 parted from the connecting rod cap, creating a hole in the engine block. The engine had been running for 17 hours, carrying approximately a 20% load.
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Parts of the engine block were spread around the engine room, indicating that the result could have been much worse, with potential injuries and a fire. During the event, the engine room was vacated for lunch. No injuries were reported, and there was no spill of fluids or fire.
Probable cause
Failure to change and correctly torque up four temporarily installed connection rod bolts, played a major role in the incident. The four bolts were temporarily installed, and the preliminary investigation revealed high pressure on work schedule, poor handovers, lack of checklists and incorrect marking of cylinder #12.
Lessons learned
After the incident, IMCA reported the following as lessons learned:
- Focus on correct and sufficient management of change (MoC) and handovers processes;
- Use of checklists and marking/signage during work on engines;
- Limit personnel exposure during start-up of overhauled engines.
