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Slow steaming is a process of  reducing the speed of cargo ships to cut down fuel consumption and carbon emissions

 

Benefits of Slow Steaming

1. High fuel savings & reduction of carbon emission.  
2. most breakdowns related to slow steaming occur not during slow steaming itself but when the engine is again operated in the normal range
3. To avoid any breakdown when the main engine is again put back to normal operating mode, certain precautions and routines have to be carried out diligently during slow steaming.

 

Checks 

1. 1. Checking piston rings for breakage, fouling and lack of springiness 
   2. Frequent inspection and cleaning of exhaust boiler
   3. Checking cylinder lubrication rate and inspect liners and piston for over and under lubrication and scuffing 
   4. Taking frequent indicator cards and check main engine performance 
   5.  Draining air cooler of water frequently 
   6. Checking turbocharger RPM as well as the scavenge air pressure. Any drop in RPM or the scavenge air pressure at same load may indicate fouling of the turbocharger. 
   7. Dry washing of the turbine wheel and washing of the compressor must be carried 
   8. Soot blowing of the EGB must also be carried out additionally during this period 
   9. Avoid water condensation in air coolers and keep scavenge air temperature around 40 to 45 deg C.
   10.    Good maintenance must be done for the fuel 
   11.  Frequent washing of exhaust gas boiler and extra soot blowing routines should be implemented 
   12. Main injection viscosity of fuel oil between 12 to 13 CST 
   13.  Keep auxiliary blower continuously on (in manual mode) to avoid elevated exhaust temperatures after the cut off and before the cut in period 
   14. Frequent inspection of scavenge space, under piston
   15. Regular engine load to 80 – 85 % , to prevent fouling of EGB, exhaust manifold 
   16. Low load operation can cause unburn fuel on exhaust manifold and burn, damage turbocharger.

[icedcappucino]

The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidance on the minimum continuous running speeds of the main engine.
Chief Engineer shall:
• Advise the Master of minimum safe continuous running speed of the main engine.
• Inform engineering staff of operating conditions.
Duty Engineer shall:
• Monitoring main engine running parameters.
• Ensure that engine power is above minimum setting.
The minimum permissible engine load for engines when running on high viscosity fuel is generally restricted to 35 to 50% of MCR to prevent possible engine damage caused by incomplete combustion. Engine maker’s instructions in the Instruction Manual should always be followed. At all times operation at critical revolution zone is to be avoided. There is may be more than one critical zone in the service revolution range.
If ME operation at economic speed/slow speed is required for a long period of time an excess of cylinder oil may accumulate in the exhaust gas manifold that could cause an explosion when normal steaming is resumed. It is recommended that the feed rate be adjusted by changing the position of the lubricator drive lever rather than altering the adjustment screws. This avoids complications in readjusting when the vessel returns to normal speed. For low load operation is for an extended period of time it is recommended for a gradual return to normal operating maximum rpm for ONE hour every day to keep combustion spaces clean. During this time carry out T/C grit washing followed by soot blow of the economiser. The exhaust temperature at the economizer outlet should always be kept above 130 degrees to prevent acid corrosion.

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