Main engine turbocharger lagging on fire
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 July 2019
- Generated on 30 December 2025
- IMCA SF 15/19
- 2 minute read
The duty engineer noticed smoke and fire coming from a main engine turbocharger lagging.
What happened?
The bridge was informed immediately and the starboard main engine control was transferred to emergency control room. The vessel manoeuvered to emergency anchorage safely using the port main engine.
The vessel dropped anchor and engine room crew extinguished the fire. There were no injuries and all emergency procedures were followed appropriately.
What went wrong? What were the causes?
The damaged lagging was removed, and both the engines were tried out. No leakage was observed from the bellows and the manifolds. However, the lagging on both the main engine exhaust trunking had been replaced in recent days.
The cause was traced to inappropriate material and workmanship in the replacement lagging work. After the incident occurred, a request for clarification was sought and this was confirmed by the workshop manager in his communication.
What actions were taken? What lessons were learned?
- The vessel was safely anchored, and the lagging was removed from both engines.
- Engines were tried out and it was confirmed that no exhaust gas leaks were found.
- The lagging was renewed using the proper materials and better workmanship.
- The engines were tried out after lagging repair to confirm lagging effectiveness.
- Supply of proper quality and reliable material to be used by the repair workshops.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 11/05
30 November 2005
-
IMCA SF 10/05
31 October 2005
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.