14 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 22 | Q3 2025 INCIDENT REPORT Incident Description Vessel was at Turpas Refinery Terminal discharging crude oil cargo, when, deck officer observed black smoke coming from funnel. Shortly afterwards, black soot traces were detected on sea surface alongside vessel’s portside by the terminal. Crew proceeded on board with immediately recuring boiler load to minimum and commenced troubleshooting. Master reported incident to Company, as per applicable procedures. As identified, the automatic fuel oil regulating valve had been stuck in a nearly closed position, impacting the fuel / air ratio and resulting into black smoke and soot to be developed. Crew had the valve unstuck and maintained a close monitoring throughout discharging operation, which had not been interrupted and was safely completed without any further issue. Local authorities boarded the vessel, carried out an inspection and handed Master a report for causing pollution, while terminal issued relevant Letter of Protest (LOP). Potential Outcomes ●● Excessive emission of black smoke and creation of black soot on sea surface (severe environmental pollution) ●● PSC Detention ●● Impact on commercial status of vessel & company ●● Delays with vessel’s schedule ●● Interruption / suspension of cargo operation ●● Loss of hire Root Causes I. Substandard Action ●● Aux. boilers operating with ‘stuck’ automatic fuel oil regulating valve II. Substandard Conditions ●● Automatic fuel oil regulating valve was found to be stuck ●● Improper fuel/air ratio for combustion ●● Black smoke/ soot development IΙΙ. Job Factor ●● Inadequate preventive maintenance Corrective / Preventive Actions ●● Circulated among fleet vessels with the aim to increase awareness to all involved personnel focusing on identified root causes and analyzing the established corrective and preventive actions through a team-engaged and openLessons learned Ensure regular inspections and testing of the fuel oil supply line’s automatic regulating valve, promptly addressing abnormalities to prevent environmental pollution and avoid operations disruptions. Black smoke and soot traces during discharging operation ended questions discussion onboard. ●● Incident and identified causes included in the Company’s troubleshooting database that has been developed based on Company’s own service experience acquired from the operation of Boiler Systems. ●● Company’s Procedures for pre-arrival preparation for cargo operation enriched for incorporating specific inspection of automatic fuel oil regulating valve for vessels using flue gas during cargo operations. ●● Company’s PMS for automatic fuel oil regulating valve to be amended so that the frequency of inspection to be reduced from six (06) to three (03) months, while enriching the scope by underlining the need to re-tighten connection fitting of the control air supply to the pneumatic controller. ●● Investigation report to be included in the agenda of next in-house training seminar that will be conducted at Company’s premises with the participation of all available crew members. Emphasis to be given on the operation and testing of all Valves for the Auxiliary Boilers and FO Line, while highlighting the Company’s Safety and Environmental Culture in all on board operations. Team Engagement & discussion topics ●● Describe what can cause black smoke to be emitted from funnel? ●● Describe what can cause black soot to be developed? ●● Which parts of Inert Gas System & Piping are critical on board for the cargo operation?
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