MO-1997-208

At 0200 on Wednesday, 3 December 1997, while the Ro-Ro general cargo vessel "Union Rotoma" was on passage from Melbourne to Auckland, fire broke out in the engine room disabling one of its two engines, and causing substantial damage to electrical wiring and control systems. The crew used a fixed carbon dioxide extinguishing plant to put out the fire, and after the crew spent several hours making temporary repairs, the vessel was able to proceed on one engine to Sydney, the closest port of refuge. The fire was caused when fuel oil from a displaced return-fuel line sprayed onto the hot surfaces of the adjacent turbocharger, and ignited.

Safety issues identified included the design of the connecting block assembly between the fuel line and pump, and the engine manufacturer's dissemination of safety information on a known problem, to owners of the engine type.

Safety recommendations were made to the engine manufacturer regarding the effective dissemination of safety information to owners of their make of engine.