China: CIC Changxing Shipyard Completes Repair Works for MV LISBOA

Recently, CIC Changxing Shipyard successfully completed the repair for MV LISBOA. The subject vessel is a bulk carrier under the flag of Panama. She arrived at the shipyard on December 14th for her sixth special survey and the contract period was 15 days. The vessel was not in good condition due to the aging of the equipments, pipes etc. Meanwhile, the situation of the equipments was worrying, especially in the D.G. No.3 (type DIHATSU 6PSHTC-26H).

During the mooring trial on the morning of 27th Dec. before her sailing, it was found that clasping axle occurred to the bearing of the connecting rod of Cylinder No.5. The repair team carried out the overhauling immediately. Around 4 pm, two spare connecting rods arrived at the shipyard, then the new & original rods were weighed, measured and installed onboard at around 7:30 pm. During the installation, the workers found that it was very difficult to turn the shaft. So a careful and thorough inspection was carried out for all the six cylinders.

Some peeled lead metal bits were found in the clearance of crank pins of Cylinder No. 1 and No. 6. After inspection and measurement, it was proved that all the big ends of connecting rods had been worn out so that the size was far beyond the standard tolerance. The engineering department worked overnight with the technology department and machinery workshop to figure out the solution and advised the owner’s superintendent to replace all the connecting rods and the bushes. Before the noon of December 28th, 4 new rods were transported to the shipyard. After another whole day of hard work, the shipyard finished the replacement of the six connecting rods and bushes for D.G. No. 3. and all the accessories were recovered. Then the trial started again and all the cylinders were in steady running with a temperature discrepancy of less than 2 degrees. The idle loading test lasted until 9:30 am and then the load test until 1:30 pm. By that time, the test of the D.G. No.3 was completely and the working condition was recovered.

[mappress]

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, January 12, 2012; Image: csgcic