In fo rm a tio n fro m D e t N o rsk e V e rita s fo r th e m a ritim e in d u stry No.

5 2002/ December
Course of events
A passenger ferry, whilst making a regular crossing in
open sea, at night and with pleasant weather condi-
tions, suddenly experienced a shutdown of the medi-
um speed main engine due to the sounding of the oil
mist detector.
An investigation was carried out by ship staff, follow-
ing normal procedures, without any reason for failure
being discovered. I nitial conclusions were that the
detector was malfunctioning so this was dismantled,
cleaned and then re-instated. Attempts were then
made to restart the engine and once again, a shut-
down took place, and more thorough investigations
and repairs were necessary.
During the time of investigation and repair the ves-
sel was without propulsion and was drifting from shore
at a speed of approximately 1 or 2 knots. The anchors
were not used as it was claimed to be excessive depth
in the area, resulting in a tug boat having to be utilised
to bring the vessel safely back to port.
Extent of damage
No damage except for the broken cylinder liner.
Probable cause
The most probable cause of the near casualty was that
one cylinder liner on the main diesel engine had
cracked.
After the second shutdown, the crankcase on the
main diesel engine was opened for further investiga-
tion, resulting in metal of signicant size being found
in the crankcase below one of the cylinders. Further
investigation revealed damage to the lower part of the
cylinder liner. Cooling water was coming out of a crack
in the liner and progressing down into the crankcase.
This had been the reason why the oil mist detector
was sounding!
I n cases where the crack had initiated in the upper
part of the cylinder liner, exhaust gases may have con-
taminated the cooling water and at the same time
obstructions/gas pockets may have been introduced.
Cracking of a cylinder liner is not very uncommon,
but in this case it could easily have resulted in serious
consequences, if it had happened in enclosed waters.
Lessons to be learned
There is always a reason for an alarm sounding.
Alarms are there as symptoms to a bigger problem.
I nvestigation must involve possible root causes.
Near casualty due to broken
cylinder liner
SH IP TYPE: A ny SIZE (grt): A ny YEA R O F BU ILD : 1992
i n f o r mati o n
Casualty Information
Published by
Maritime Industries, Maritime
Technology and Production Centre
(Dept. for Classication & ISM)
D et N orske Veritas
N O -1322 H vik, N orw ay
Tel: +47 67 57 99 00
Fax: +47 67 57 99 11
The purpose of C asualty Inform ation is to
provide the m arine industry w ith lessons to
be learnedfrom incidents of ship dam age
and m ore serious accidents. In this w ay,
D N V hopes to contribute to the prevention
of sim ilar occurrences in the future. The
inform ation included is not necessarily
restricted to cover ships classed w ith D N V
and is presented, w ithout obligation, for
inform ation purposes only.
Q ueries m ay be directed to
M aritim e Industries, M aritim e Technology and
Production C entre (D ept. for C lassi cation & ISM ),
N O -1322 H vik, N orw ay.
Fax +47 67 57 99 11. E-m ail M TPN O 860@ dnv.com
C opyright and disclaim er: This publication m ay be
reproduced freely on condition that D etN orske Veritas
(D N V) is alw ays stated as the source. D N V accepts no
responsibility for any errors or m isinterpretations.
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