Potential hazard of low-pressure fuel systems

An engine fire onboard P&O Ferries Norsea has prompted the UK government?s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) to warn of the potential dangers of low-pressure fuel systems. In a report into the incident, released today, the MAIB says: “The general level of awareness of the dangers of low-pressure fuel systems remains uneven within the marine industry.” As a consequence, it has recommended that Wärtsilä, the manufacturer of the Vasa 32 engine on Norsea that caught fire on September 2, 2002 after a failure in the low-pressure fuel pipe system, offer explicit advice to engine users on routine checking of the security of low-pressure fuel pipes in the hot boxes of the Vasa 32 range of engines. It further stresses the applicability of such checks to all engine makes. The failed piping on Norsea was in the area of securing clamps. The fire was extinguished without it claiming any fatalities. P&O Ferries has, subsequent to the incident, amended its check procedures and introduced more clamping to the low-pressure fuel system.