- Hydraulic System Failures Can Lead to Costly Oil Spills and Fines.
- Ship Design Can Help Eliminate Hydraulic Oil Spill Risks.
- Identifying rust patches, abrasions, or weakened connections early can prevent failures.
Hydraulic oil leaks onboard ships pose multiple risks, including personal injury, operational disruptions, and environmental damage. Since hydraulic systems operate under high pressure, any breach in hoses or pipes can lead to oil spraying over a large area in a short time, reports Brittania.
Impact on Crew Safety
Leakage of hydraulic oil under pressure may result in serious crew injuries. Skin contact with pressurized oil can lead to burns, injuries, or serious infections. Maintaining the safety of crews entails preventive maintenance and immediate action towards signs of leaks.
Given that hydraulic systems operate necessary equipment like cranes, winches, and cargo pumps in ports, their breakdown can also retard port operations. Off-hire status, repair expenses, and possible fines place added financial burdens on shipowners and operators.
Oil Spills in Port Waters
One of the most frequent results of a hydraulic line malfunction is an overboard oil spill. A leak during operation in port can result in significant fines, costly cleanup, and damage to reputation.
High-Risk Areas on Ships
Hydraulic pipes and hoses located close to the ship’s side are especially susceptible. When a failure happens in these locations, oil rapidly leaks into the ocean, and containment is impossible, resulting in instant pollution.
Environmental Degradation of Hydraulic Components
Hydraulic hoses and pipes weaken with time as a result of saltwater exposure, temperature fluctuations, and ultraviolet light. Failure in hydraulic lines is most often caused by corrosion, while flexible hoses deteriorate faster when they are exposed to the elements.
Best Practices for Preventing Hydraulic Oil Leaks
- Regular Visual Inspections: Regular checks on hydraulic hoses and pipes must be done under the ship’s Planned Maintenance System (PMS). Detecting rust patches, abrasions, or compromised fittings at an early stage can avoid failures.
- Proper Maintenance of Hydraulic Pipes and Hoses: When rust is detected on hydraulic pipes, it should be treated immediately with de-rusting and protective coatings rather than simply painting over it. Flexible hoses should be examined for signs of kinking, abrasion, or chemical contamination, and any corroded hose connections should be replaced.
- Keeping Spare Components Onboard: Having spare hydraulic pipes, seals, fixings, and hoses onboard facilitates on-the-spot repairs in the event of a breakdown. All replacements must be original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to guarantee compatibility and longevity.
Adopting a Hydraulic Hose Replacement Policy
Hydraulic hoses that are exposed to the environment break down quicker than those that are shielded. To minimize failure possibilities:
- High-risk hoses must be replaced every 2.5 years.
- Other exposed hydraulic hoses must be replaced every five years.
- Replacement should be scheduled as part of the ship’s PMS.
Employing High-Quality Materials
For additional durability, hydraulic hose connectors would ideally be manufactured from stainless steel. Employing the proper type of hose and pressure rating for particular applications lessens failure likelihood further.
Checking Hydraulic Oil Levels
Maintaining records of hydraulic tank volumes assists in the calculation of the quantity of oil leaked during a leak. Minor leaks might seem huge when oil covers large areas, hence resulting in fines.
Avoiding Open Hydraulic Piping
At the ship design phase, exposed outboard hydraulic piping and flexible hoses need to be kept to a minimum. Electric or pneumatic power sources need to be used in place of them to minimize the potential for oil spills.
Shifting to Electric and Pneumatic Systems
Hydraulic actuators exposed to sea spray have also been replaced with pneumatically operated actuators successfully by some shipowners. Entirely electric solutions for cranes, hatch covers, ramps, and winches are a long-term solution in mitigating hydraulic oil spills.
Legal and Financial Consequences of Oil Spills
Vessels at fault for ocean pollution could be hit with hefty fines, lawsuits, and greater scrutiny by regulatory agencies. Moreover, business ties with port authorities and charterers can suffer as well.
Proactive Risk Management
Hydraulic oil spills can be prevented by using a mix of proactive maintenance, operation best practices, and astute ship design. Ship operators can increase safety, minimize environmental effects, and maintain regulatory compliance by using these methods.
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Source: Brittania
