No.

2/93 SHIP TYPE: Tanker for Oil SIZE(GRT): 50300

Edited by DSO-245 BUILT YEAR: 1985

STEAM CONDENSER EXPLOSION

Course of Events: On voyage with oil cargo to the U.S., the cargo oil turbine and steam dumping low pressure condenser exploded. The main engine stopped for several hours as vital engine parts were damaged during the explosion. Severe damage was caused in the engine room in way of the explosion. No persons were injured. The engine room was filled with steam which took some time to remove. The vessel returned to nearest port for repairs. Extent of Damage: The condenser was totally destroyed. One cargo oil turbine housing was cracked and the other cargo and ballast pump turbines connected to the condenser were found more or less damaged. Some vital parts on the main engine and the steam and exhaust lines connected to the condenser were damaged. Probable Cause: The cargo oil turbine condenser had obviously not been in use as the seawater valve was found closed. (if open when the condenser exploded the engine room would probably have been flooded). The steam dumping valve to the cargo oil turbine condenser had been opened up and steam at 7 bar was let into the condenser without sea water cooling being engaged. The high pressure alarm working at 400 mm Hg vacuum went off at least twice and was checked out. Some time must have elapsed, but finally one of the crew members went down to check the sea cooling valve and to open it if it was closed. Before he got the opportunity to open the valve, steam was seen coming out from the welding seams and he luckily fled to safety prior to the explosion. Lessons to be Learned: It is likely that the accident could have been avoided if the owners had placed greater attention on proper instructions, relevant plant knowledge and training of the crew members to prevent: - Ignoring the alarm signals. - Possible lack of basic engine room and steam system knowledge. - Misunderstanding of orders.

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