False Alarm, Loss of Propulsion Leads to Cargo Ships Colliding
A loss of propulsion due to a false alarm led to cargo vessels colliding near Port Arthur, Texas last year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Thursday.While transiting the Sabine Pass on August 21, 2022, the general cargo ship Damgracht lost propulsion when the vessel’s main engine shut down due to “high oil mist density” sensed by its oil mist detector (OMD). Due to the abrupt loss of propulsion, the Damgracht began veering into the path of the bulk carrier AP Revelin.
GE38 Looking to Take to the Sea
GE Aviation is planning to leverage the modern technology and performance of the GE38 into an engine option for marine applications. The GE38 is one of the most technologically advanced turboshaft engine in its class, and it has been selected to power the Sikorsky CH-53K helicopter in development for the United States Marine Corps. Compared to its T64 turboshaft engine predecessor, the GE38 provides 57% more power within the same envelope, 18% better fuel consumption, and has 63% few parts.
Engine Oil Analysis Kit Launched
Jet-Care International and its parent company Spectro Oil Analysis Co. Ltd. introduced a new engine oil analysis kit and service for the marine market that can save long delays and expensive repairs. "With proper monitoring of oil and fluid systems, marine operators can significantly reduce wear caused by contamination from sea water, fresh water, fuel dilution or the use of incorrect lubricants and save long delays and expensive repairs," says Spectro chief chemist Colin Stevens-Hoare. "In bigger vessels, oil sumps are so large the oil's never or rarely changed. Most operators try and clean the oil, but some are complacent, relying on their purification equipment to remove contaminants.
