30 Mar 21
Damaged Alpha Lubricator
28 July, 2025
We would like to share a recent experience with you, in the hope of preventing potential trading losses due to the lack of critical spare parts on board. This incident highlighted the importance of maintaining adequate stock levels of essential components to ensure smooth and uninterrupted vessel operations.
Summary Report on Alpha Lubricator Damage – 2025
This year, two separate incidents involving damage to the alpha lubrication system have been reported. Although such failures are rare, they occurred due to material fatigue resulting from the aging of system components, ultimately leading to suspension of vessel operations.
In the first case, the vessel fortunately had a complete spare lubricator on board. The damaged unit was replaced promptly, allowing the voyage to resume without delay.
However, in the second case, the spare lubricator on board was also found to be defective. As no additional spare was available, this resulted in a lubrication failure, leading to cylinder liner damage and vessel off-hire.
Is Your System Prepared for Aging-Related Failures?
As equipment ages, the risk of material fatigue increasing the risk of unexpected and costly failures.
In order to take the necessary steps to eliminate these risks, planned maintenance of the Alpha lubrication system, as recommended in MAN B&W Service Letter SL2016-632, is essential—not only to extend component life but also to prevent pressure shocks and potential failures that could impact vessel operations.
Do you have at least two complete lubricators on board, ready for immediate use?
We recommend reviewing your current spare stock. If not available, we strongly advise keeping at least two complete lubricators on board as spares.
These can be ordered directly from the engine maker, or alternatively, we can supply them Ex-Korea at a unit price of USD 1,300/PC. Each unit is fully equipped with a solenoid valve, accumulator, and electrical plug, and is ready for installation.
Kindly note that lubricator stroke length and piston diameter may vary even between engines with similar bore sizes. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that ordered lubricators are fully compatible with the lubricators currently in use. Failure to do so could result in over- lubrication or under-lubrication, potentially affecting engine performance.
Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
| VITA ENGINEERING Orta mah. Erk sok. Aslı Nemutlu
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Tuzla/İstanbul/Turkey www.vitatr.com / e-mail:
info@vitatr.com / Tel: +90 533 421 01 83 / Tel: +90 216 766 23 63 |
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