MAN B&W issues oil mist advice

Following the crankcase explosion on Sovereign Maersk MAN B&W has issued a Service Letter highlighting its recommendations. The main one is that in the event of an oil mist alarm, the engine should be reduced to 40% of MCR speed (after a six second delay) overriding the normal load reduction programme.

Where a shaft generator is used, the engine speed should be immediately reduced to the minimum rev/min necessary for the generator to remain connected to the grid. Once an auxiliary genset has been started the main engine should be taken down to 40% of MCR speed.

In all circumstances the slow down should be activated in less than one minute.

The letter also recommends that whenever the crankcase is entered (minimum every 2-3 months), it should be inspected for bearing material fragments. Also the lub oil filter should be inspected for white metal debris, and the Operation Instruction Manual contains a number of other measures.