New Guidance: Reducing the Risk of Propulsion Loss

In a joint project, classification society Bureau Veritas and consultancy TMC Marine, a Bureau Veritas Group Company since 2016, have cooperated again with the London P&I Club to produce the second booklet in a series on loss prevention issues.

The new publication focuses on the marine engineering issues and procedures related to loss of propulsion incidents and how to prevent them.

Blackouts, propulsion limitations, total loss of propulsion and loss of steerage capability are all serious incidents when they occur during navigation in non-congested waters. However, when incidents such as these occur during maneuvering in restricted areas such as traffic lanes, when entering or leaving port, or when a vessel is navigating close to a coast during heavy weather, the risk to the vessel and personnel is critical and may result in a major casualty.

The new booklet provides general guidance and practical advice to marine engineers and ship owners on blackout and main engine failures, the risks associated with propulsion loss and the precautions that can be taken to prevent these risks. It is not intended to replace IMO regulations and guidance notes or documentation forming part of a vessel’s safety management system; the guidance is a practical tool for all involved in shipping. 

Jean-François Segrétain, Technical Director, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said,  “The industry is aware of the continued incidence of blackouts and propulsion loss. We consider it important that the industry has an easy to use, concise, guide to the risks involved and, importantly, the guidance on the risk management tools that can reduce the risk of propulsion loss. The expertise of class, P&I and TMC is a strong combination. We will continue to provide guidance to help reduce risk in marine operations.”

Carl Durow, Loss Prevention Manager, London P&I Club, said that proper root cause analysis of loss of propulsion incidents regardless of severity is key to risk mitigation. “The Club has seen an increase in the number of machinery failure related cases in recent years. This publication is aimed at raising awareness of the necessary good practices and post incident investigation activities, which in combination can result in a much reduced risk of significant claims. In the majority of cases it is the timing and location of the incident which dictates the severity of the claim.”

Stephen Tierney, Managing Director, TMC Marine, said that raising awareness is vital. “We hope that this guidance will help those onboard and in management positions ashore to reduce the risk of propulsion loss. The combined experience of our Bureau Veritas, the London P&I Club and our expertise at TMC provides the insight to understand what is required to reduce risk.”

The first booklet in the ‘Reducing the Risk’ series – Reducing the Risk of Liquefaction, was published in March 2017.