The above accident is a typical engine room fire. Some 15 - 20 engine room fires are reported to DNV every year, out of a fleet of about 4.500 vessels. Approximately 60 % of these fires are caused by oil leakage hitting a hot surface. The frequency of such accidents has not been decreasing the last years and many of these accidents cause expensive damage.
A fuel leakage will normally not lead to fire if the insulation is properly installed
and effectively maintained in the operational phase.
All surfaces with temperature above 220oC represent an immediate
fire hazard and are to be insulated. The insulation should be fluid resistant
and sturdy enough to allow for dismounting and mounting in connection with maintenance
and repair work without deteriorating.
Thermographic analysis is an effective and invaluable help to reveal hot spots,
where insulation is not up to standard. The temperature indicated by thermographic
analysis at the indicator cock at SP01 in the picture is measured to 324oC.
Hence shipowners are encouraged to use thermography also for the above purposes.
To carry out thermography of an engine room will in very few cases exceed 1-2
hours work.
Only flexible hoses of approved type, and preferably Type Approved, are to be used on
board. When mounting flexible hoses, the hoses should be arranged so that as little extra
stress as possible is introduced in the hose. This is achieved by proper adapting of the
steel pipes to be connected by the hose. (See figure). All fuel lines are required by
SOLAS to be screened or otherwise suitably protected to avoid as far as practicable, oil
spray or oil leakage onto hot surfaces or other sources of ignition.
Fuel oil piping in general should not be installed above the engines. When this is the
case, rebuilding of the fuel oil system to a safe solution should be considered.
Figure: Steel pipe/flexible hose connections