In its first Safety Digest for 2021, the UK MAIB describes a case of engine room fire onboard a ferry, which was contained on time thanks to the proper use of high-pressure water fire-fighting systems by the crew.
The incident
Contractors were carrying out essential engine repairs during the night layover period onboard a ferry that operated on a short sea route. Exhaust cladding had been removed in order that access could be gained to a sheared bolt on one of the main engine turbochargers.
After the failed bolt had been replaced, the engine was run briefly without the exhaust cladding to confirm that there was no leakage from the exhaust manifold. With this test run complete, the cladding was refitted to the engine.
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As the ferry prepared to leave port, its four main engines were started and subsequently clutched in. Shortly after the ferry departed from the berth, with the engines running at full operating temperature, the second engineer (2/E) noticed a burning smell coming from the recently repaired engine. Te 2/E contacted the bridge and requested that the engine be de-clutched and stopped, leaving the other three engines running.
Upon investigation, the 2/E found a small fire burning in the exhaust lagging in the vicinity of the turbocharger. He immediately sounded the fire alarm using the local call point and activated the Hi-Fog system for that engine. He then left the machinery space. Fire crews mustered at the fire locker and donned their fire suits in readiness for further instructions.
After the Hi-Fog system had been running for 30 minutes, the chief engineer (C/E) and 2/E re-entered the engine room, removed the heat shields from the engine, and found burnt remains of an oily rag on the exhaust manifold.
Having determined that the situation was under control, the C/E shut down the Hi-Fog system and confirmed to the bridge that the fire had been extinguished. The fire crews were then stood down.
Before the engine was run and placed back into service, the exhaust manifold was inspected thoroughly for any other debris; the lagging and heat shields were then refitted.
Lessons learned
- This incident shows the effectiveness of high-pressure water fire-fighting systems, and the need for all staff to have the confidence and knowledge to use them.
Fast action and early intervention prevented this incident from quickly becoming much more serious. Make sure you are familiar with the systems you have onboard, and be confident when using them should the need arise.
- Allocating sufficient time for thorough maintenance onboard this type of vessel can be a challenge, especially when running on very tight schedules. Staf should ensure that good housekeeping checks are carried out after any maintenance, but especially where hot surfaces have been exposed.
- Having contractors working on machinery can be an efficient way of carrying out work, especially unplanned and breakdown maintenance. It always remains the ship’s staff’s responsibility to monitor the works being undertaken and to ensure that the machinery is safe to start once work has been completed.
FIND THE FULL SAFETY DIGEST HERE
