(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) This report has been created by the Swedish Club in response to concerns over damage to auxiliary engines. Its objective is to investigate auxiliary engine claims, highlight predominating factors and provide advice with a view of reducing the frequency/severity of auxiliary engine damage.
This report aims to shine a light on the important issue of damage to auxiliary engines, a significant segment of machinery claims – both in number and cost.
Auxiliary engines run at high revolutions and have a common lubrication system for both cylinder and crank case lubrication. Auxiliary engines are not under the same strict regime from the classification society and maintenance is often carried out by the vessel crew.
The Club has seen all too frequently the following causes of damage:
- Incorrect maintenance and repairs
- Failure to adhere to repair procedures and use of incorrect tools
- Crew lacking formal engine specific training
- Inexperienced crew and no expert in attendance
- Failure to detect contamination due to poor lubrication oil management
- Not following up on results from lubrication oil sampling
A few interesting data to consider:
- Auxiliary engine claims account for 13% of the total machinery claim costs and 16% of the volume, with an average claim cost of USD 345,000.
- The frequency for auxiliary engine claims is approximately 1.2% and has been relatively steady for the last few years.
- Container ships have a higher claim frequency and cost in relation to fleet entry.
- Approximately 50% of all auxiliary engine damage occurs immediately after maintenance work.
- Incorrect maintenance and wrongful repair are the most common causes of damage.
- Poor lubrication oil management is also a major contributing factor to auxiliary engine break downs.
To view the full report, click on below image.