During navigation in rough seas, the main engine tripped as a result of the actuation of the
main engine overspeed trip induced by racing.
After resetting it, crew members made attempts to start the main engine but failed. Even attempts to start it with the local control failed to do so.
Restoring operations took eight hours, including drifting for four hours.
Problem with solenoid valve on ship engine
The solenoid valve 127 for an emergency stop was stuck because of dirt trapped inside the
air piping system.
When the overspeed trip was actuated first, the emergency stop solenoid valve 127 stuck,
keeping air admitted to the fuel pump puncture valve.
It is reported that a considerable amount of rust and dirt was found adhering to the solenoid
valve spool when it was overhauled
As is evident from the air piping diagram, even if the control position is shifted to the local
control, the emergency stop line is not bypassed.
It follows that, while the solenoid valve for emergency stop is stuck in a state to admit air, as in this case, the emergency stop signal continues to be sent and there is a need to stop the emergency stop signal
forcibly by shutting the stop valve 16 located upstream of the valve in question.
Ship main engine local control fault
If local control to start the main engine is impossible, the list of probable causes are
considerably reduced on the air piping diagram. This incident took as long as eight
hours for restoration, but it would have been possible for crew members to start the
engine locally within few minutes if only they fully understood the function of the control
system.
Regular checking safety devices on ship engine
It is also required to check the functions of all safe guards at regular intervals.
If the safety device in question had been regularly checked for proper function in the past,
this malfunction could have occurred at such times and, if the malfunction manifests itself
during an inspection, it would not interfere with the ship’s operation.
Engineers should familiarize themselves with the control system of the main engine as early
as possible after boarding the vessel.
