Guidance For Slow Steaming - DRAFT For PBMI
Guidance For Slow Steaming - DRAFT For PBMI
Guidance For Slow Steaming - DRAFT For PBMI
Slow Steaming (Eco Speed) depends on Head Charterer and Head Owner’s (Doun Kisen)
agreement. Therefore, please check every time the vessel is changed to Time Charter
(T/C).
DOUN KISEN CO., LTD.
1307-8,KOHGOH, NAMIKATA-CHO,IMABARI EHIME, JAPAN 799-2110
TEL: 0898-41-9569: FAX 0898-41-6011 E-mail: info@doun.co.jp
Introduction
Slow steaming is a process of deliberately reducing the engine load /output of the vessel to cut down
fuel consumption. However, the following are major concerns or possible issues will certainly lead
into engine breakdown if slow steaming operation is not correctly handled by ship’s staff.
Countermeasures
① The main components, which are involved in slow steaming operations, are engine fuel and
fuel system equipment (Pumps, injectors etc.). It is necessary to ensure that the fuel is
properly treated and heated to achieve required viscosity for the engine.
④ The jacket and piston cooling water (most of the old engines have water cooled piston)
temperatures must be maintained high to ensure that the combustion of air in the cylinder
does not cool down.
⑤ In main engines with central cooling system, the air cooler’s fresh water-cooling inlet must
be throttled so that a higher air temperature is maintained.
⑥ For system with sea water cooler, the sea water (S.W) inlet temperature must be kept at
higher side to keep the combustion air and in-turn the exhaust temperatures higher.
⑦ With engines fitted with load dependent cylinder oil feed system, it is important to adjust
the feed rate manually based on the result of actual or physical inspection of piston rings
and cylinder liners.
During slow steaming, the engineers must ensure that the exhaust gas temperatures after
each cylinder should not go below 200 Deg C. If the exhaust gas temperature is falling
below this limit, the engine power must be increased till the temperature reaches 275 deg
centigrade.
⑨ To ensure the exhaust receiver trunk is dried out and blow out soot deposits from exhaust
gas passage (trunk, turbo charger and economizer) during full speed operation.
DOUN KISEN CO., LTD.
1307-8,KOHGOH, NAMIKATA-CHO,IMABARI EHIME, JAPAN 799-2110
TEL: 0898-41-9569: FAX 0898-41-6011 E-mail: info@doun.co.jp
③ Turbochargers operating outside their designed range produce less air flow leading to more
deposits.
⑨ Low exhaust gas temperatures. Running the engine with exhaust gas temperatures below
250 deg C can cause low temperature corrosion.
⑩ Reduced peak compression pressure and eventually poor combustion takes place.
⑪ Damage occurs and becomes imminent when engine is run at full load after long period of
slow steaming.
⑫ Compromises the piston ring pack efficiency, leading to increase under piston and scavenge
deposits.
⑬ Increases the risk of scavenging fires due to sludge deposits on piston underside.
⑭ Loss of heat transfer due to carbon deposits and failure of components due to thermal
stresses.
⑮ Reduction in the efficiency of the economizer causing the need of oil-fired boiler to operate
and adding to extra cost and maintenance.