Four common machinery issues in marine

Being able to identify the common machinery issues that could affect this can help be predictive in their maintenance.

Andrew Powles, Managing Director at FPE Seals, supplier of pneumatic seals, has broken down four of the most common machinery issues and offers advice on how to mitigate long-term damage.

Rusting and corrosion

The industry relies on salt water, but it is also a huge issue for the machinery used. The mix of oxygen, moisture and sodium chloride eats away at metal surfaces, speeding up rust and corrosion.

Replacing machinery with like-for-like substitutes can be expensive, so inspection and maintenance should be a top priority to avoid them degrading.

Your vessel will have areas that are more prone to corrosion, and you should give more attention to them. Anti-corrosion coatings and sacrificial anodes are vital.

Electrical failures

Salt water can also affect electrical systems. Corrosion affects wiring and circuit boards and running power through any water-damaged devices or any that haven’t been properly tested can cause fires, electrocutions, or further damage.

It’s crucial to reduce these risks not just to prevent equipment downtime, but also to keep workers safe. Regular checks of the devices nare needed, and investing in components that are industry proven as moisture-resistant should be top priority.

Sealing components properly can also stop water ingress.

Hydraulics – steering, cranes, and other important systems

Hydraulics play a huge role across many elements, such as steering systems, cranes, other lifting equipment and hatch openings.

Faults can put crews at risk and lead to accidents and damage. Your workforce should be appropriately trained for their roles but also be prepared should system failures occur.

Incorporating regular checks for hydraulic leaks into your examination procedures can help to detect faults early.

Fuel contamination and overheating

The engine is the most important component. Some of the most common examples of issues involve failing cooling systems and contaminated fuel.

Any blockages or leaks in the cooling system can cause the engine to overheat, reducing efficiency and causing huge failures. You also need to avoid fuel contamination.

Setting up a maintenance schedule for your engine can identify risks before they grow into larger issues. These should always involve checking and replacing fluids and components, which should always include investment in the highest quality materials you can afford.

Your fuel systems they should be kept clean so that any water or sediment does not affect them.

Furthermore, secure fuel storage and handling should always be carried out to ensure quality is maintained with no contamination.

Sources
FPE Seals (www.fpeseals.com)
https://britishmarine.co.uk/Services/Growth/Statistics-and-Market-Research/Headline-Statistics-and-Infographics