The very first MAN Diesel & Turbo TCA77 turbocharger installed aboard ‘Jo Sequoia’ nears 50,000 hours trouble-free operation.
The chemical tanker 'Jo Seuoia' is powered by a MAN B&W 7S50MC-C two-stroke engine, having been built about ten years ago for Bergen-based Jo Tankers.
During its construction, and with Jo Tankers already having chosen an MAN B&W 7S50MC-C engine as prime mover, MAN Diesel & Turbo approached Jo Tankers in regard to installing its then-new TCA77 turbocharger.
Despite passing comprehensive factory tests, the TCA77 remained unproven in the field at that time, but this did not daunt Jo Tankers. The UK Managing Director, John Sibbald, said: “I think it’s because we’re not frightened of new technology. However, I have to say, it’s been a success from the word go. We’ve had no break-downs at all. Basically, the turbocharger has proved itself.”
Over its working life, the TCA77 turbocharger has been regularly checked with a major service report compiled in January 2008 at 23,000 hours displaying only minor wear and tear. A recent review of the turbocharger’s maintenance paperwork revealed that changing the filters and checking the pipework were the typical comments over the past decade. In fact, the maintenance-friendly TCA77 design means that the turbocharger can be opened up so quickly that immobilising the ship for service frequently is minimal.
The Jo Sequoia is due to arrive in Singapore in January 2013 for its next major service when 50,000 operating hours and 10 years of running will officially be marked.