Modern ships are increasingly sophisticated due to technological advancements, stricter regulations, and the demand for improved safety and efficiency. This complexity, however, often makes it challenging for crew members to fully grasp their ship’s power management system—its functions, configurations, potential issues, and how to troubleshoot and restore it effectively.
What does a “blackout” mean?
A ship “blackout” refers to a complete loss of electrical power from the vessel’s main switchboard, typically caused by a failure in its power generation, distribution, or propulsion systems. All blackouts are serious and dangerous. While a standby generator might quickly restore power in ideal scenarios, a prolonged blackout can lead to loss of propulsion and steering, increasing the risk of collisions or grounding, potentially causing casualties, environmental damage, or even the loss of the vessel. The danger escalates when ships are near shore, other vessels, or infrastructure like wind turbines, especially in bad weather. The growing complexity of modern ship systems also complicates recovery for crews, potentially extending blackout duration and severity.
Regulatory framework
Ship construction and equipment, including electrical power and control systems, are governed by SOLAS Chapter II-1, specifically regulations 40 to 44 for power sources. Classification societies, such as those adhering to IACS Unified Requirements Concerning Electrical and Electronic Installations (UR E), add further comprehensive requirements. Additionally, some classification societies offer voluntary class notations with extra blackout prevention and recovery requirements. Despite these stringent regulations and emphasis on reliability, blackouts can still occur due to technical or operational failures that may not strictly violate existing rules. In such cases, the ISM Code becomes relevant, as Chapter 10.3 mandates ship operators to identify critical equipment whose failure could create hazardous situations, requiring specific measures like regular testing of standby systems to ensure reliability.
Responding to blackout incidents
Past incidents underscore the vital importance of being prepared for blackouts. For example, in March 2019, a cruise ship off the Norwegian coast experienced a blackout during a storm, losing propulsion and steering. The investigation attributed this to insufficient lubricating oil in the diesel generators’ sump tanks, aggravated by rough seas. With over 1,300 people on board, the vessel came within a ship’s length of grounding before power was eventually restored. The report highlighted significant challenges faced by the crew in restoring power and propulsion, taking 39 minutes for both propulsion motors to become operational again.
Key Recommendations
To prevent dangerous blackouts, ship operators must ensure that all essential machinery, electrical equipment, and control systems are correctly maintained and operated. DNV highlights several typical failures that operators should be particularly aware of:
- Loss of lube oil pressure: Insufficient lubrication can quickly lead to mechanical failures in engines.
- Fuel-oil related issues: Problems such as clogged filters can disrupt the fuel supply to engines, leading to power loss.
- Control, monitoring, and safety system malfunctions: Failures in these critical systems can lead to unmanaged electrical or mechanical issues.
- Common maintenance failures: Performing similar maintenance tasks on multiple auxiliary engines simultaneously can increase the risk of widespread issues if a mistake occurs.
In addition to addressing these common failure points, DNV also recommends:
- Regular and realistic performance testing of both auxiliary and emergency power supply systems. This ensures that backup systems are truly ready when needed.
- Surveying switchboards with an infrared camera. This can detect overheating components or other electrical anomalies before they cause a failure.
Even systems designed with redundant power supply can fail at critical moments if not properly maintained, underscoring the vital importance of these preventative measures.
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Source: Gard
