Swedish P & I Club releases a loss prevention article explaining about the MSS Case. A container vessel experienced extensive main engine damage due to broken lube oil (LO) filter candle mesh wires. Initial signs appeared in mid-January (wire fragments in the sump tank strainer), followed by repeated discoveries of mesh wires and metal fines through February, March, and April. By May, significant contamination was confirmed, with metal fragments embedded in bearings, crankpins, turbochargers, and other vital components. Starting late May, the vessel went off-hire at a lay-by berth in Singapore. Repairs focused on dismantling and cleaning major engine components, polishing crankshaft journals, and replacing or overhauling bearings, liners, filters, pumps, and other damaged parts. Delays arose primarily from the need for critical spares such as new bearing shells.
Causes
Best Practices
When discussing this case please consider that the actions taken at the time made sense for all involved. Do not only judge but also ask why you think these actions were taken and could this happen on your vessel?
