Can a Container Ship Like the Dali Lose Propulsion?

Yes, a container ship like the Dali can and has lost propulsion. The incident that occurred is a stark reminder of the inherent vulnerabilities and complexities in modern maritime engineering.

Engine Shutdown and Steering Failure

My initial hypothesis was that the ship lost steering due to a generator shutdown. However, modern marine engineering increasingly relies on highly electricity-dependent systems, making the issue more complex. In this case, it is quite possible that the loss of propulsion was not solely due to a generator issue but rather an interlinked problem within the electrical systems supporting the vessel's machinery.

One common reason for unscheduled engine shutdown in marine engineering is water contamination in the fuel. However, this typically only occurs in rough weather conditions when condensed water in the tank is disturbed and gets sucked into the system. The Dali, being a large ship, likely has more than one generator plant. Yet if a second plant was down for repairs, it could still lead to significant issues.

Initial reports suggested visual evidence of a generator restarting and then stopping again. It appears that the incident began shortly after departure, triggering alarms and calls for distress. Despite these warnings, there was insufficient time to evacuate bridge workers but just enough to halt vehicle traffic.

Failure to Reverse Engine

The crew's failure to reverse the main engine even as they lost propulsion is a concerning point. It suggests that not only was the propulsion system affected but also the engine controls. Modern machinery is highly dependent on electrical systems, and in this case, the issue seems to have extended to the engine controls as well.

The incident brings up the question of whether the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will consider technical improvements to reduce the likelihood of such incidents happening in the future. Maritime safety and engine reliability are crucial, and any ship, including the Dali, can face unforeseen challenges.

Mechanical Vulnerabilities and Preventative Maintenance

Of course, any mechanical system is prone to failure at any time. The trick is to prevent it from happening through preventative maintenance and accurate monitoring. The Dali, as a modern container ship, has advanced machinery and systems that need to be carefully managed.

The main engine on the Dali is a 9-cylinder 2-stroke marine diesel engine. It runs on heavy oil at sea and marine diesel in port. The engine is incredibly large, comparable in size to an apartment block, and requires ancillary support from electric motors to run fuel pumps, cooling water, and lubricating oil pumps. If any of these auxiliary systems fail, it can lead to engine shutdown.

Every component in the fuel system is monitored to ensure its proper functioning. Oil and water levels and flow are continuously checked. In case of a disruption, alarms are triggered to prevent permanent damage to the engine.

Operational Mechanics

The engine on the Dali is directly connected to the propeller. It starts using compressed air, which is injected into the cylinders in a timed sequence. Once the engine is turning, the air is shut off, and normal combustion begins with fuel injection. To go astern (backwards), the engine is stopped, the timing cam is reversed, and the engine is restarted in reverse to turn the propeller in the opposite direction.

While container ships are complex machines designed for reliability, incidents like the one with the Dali highlight the need for continued improvement in maritime engineering and regulations. As the industry evolves, so too should safety measures to protect both crew and cargo.

Keywords: container ship, engine propulsion, maritime engineering, fuel system failure, IMO regulations