Incorrectly sized bearing caused engine failure and fire on offshore support vessel

Last year, an improperly sized bearing led to engine failure and a subsequent fire on the offshore supply vessel Sea Guard near Seattle, causing $1.1m in damage. During testing, maintenance had been performed on all four main diesel generator engines in 2022, and full functional tests of the ship’s systems were carried out. During testing, the crew noticed a loud noise and flames near the number 3 main engine, leading the crew to deploy the ship’s carbon dioxide fire suppression system.

Investigations revealed that the crankshaft main bearing was replaced with an incorrectly dimensioned bearing during maintenance. The report emphasised the importance of correctly replacing engine components during maintenance and recommended the use of tracking systems to ensure correct selection of replacement parts during reinstallation. As a result of the engine failure, the local Caterpillar service company implemented a new service tracking system that allows technicians to upload pictures and reports via their cell phones to improve documentation and information sharing between technicians.

Tags: Accident Reports,NTSB


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