Main engine damage remains one of the most significant and costly drivers of Hull & Machinery (H&M) claims in the shipping industry. Beyond the technical implications, these failures expose structural weaknesses in maintenance regimes, lubrication management, and operational discipline.
The Main Engine Damage Report (2015–2017) published by The Swedish Club offers a data-driven and pragmatic analysis of this risk, based on a substantial portfolio of machinery claims. The report provides valuable insight not only for technical managers and superintendents, but also for shipowners, insurers, and maritime advisors seeking to translate loss statistics into concrete preventive action.
The Cost of Main Engine Failures
According to the report, main engine damage accounts for approximately 28% of machinery claim frequency and 34% of total machinery claim costs, with an average cost per claim of around USD 650,000.
Notably, the frequency of main engine damage has remained broadly stable over time, indicating that technological progress alone has not eliminated exposure.
This stability in frequency, combined with rising repair costs and increasing technical complexity, makes main engine damage a persistent and material risk across most vessel segments.
Vessel Types and Risk Profiles
Passenger vessels and ferries show the highest claim frequency per vessel year, a trend often linked to the use of medium- and high-speed engines, frequent load variations, and demanding operational profiles.
Conversely, slow-speed engines tend to demonstrate more robust performance, although they are not immune to high-severity failures when preventive controls break down.
Root Causes: Where Things Go Wrong
The report highlights two dominant causal factors:
- Lubrication oil failures, including contamination, degradation, or incorrect oil management.
- Incorrect maintenance or repairs, often resulting from inadequate procedures, insufficient supervision, or deviation from OEM recommendations.
The most expensive claims typically involve crankshafts and main bearings, components where early warning signs are often present but not adequately detected or acted upon.
From Statistics to Prevention
The most important takeaway from the Swedish Club analysis is clear: the majority of main engine damage claims are preventable.
Effective mitigation requires an integrated approach, including:
- Digital and disciplined Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS), aligned with OEM standards.
- Systematic monitoring of fuel and lubricating oil quality, supported by trend analysis.
- Continuous crew training, with a strong focus on machinery awareness and early symptom recognition.
- Qualified supervision during overhauls and critical repairs, particularly for high-risk components.
When technical management, crew competence, and operational governance are aligned, both claim frequency and severity can be materially reduced.
Conclusion
Main engine damage is not merely a technical issue—it is a governance issue.
The data confirms that disciplined maintenance, informed decision-making, and a preventive mindset remain the most effective tools for protecting assets, controlling insurance exposure, and ensuring operational continuity.
For shipowners, managers, and insurers alike, the Swedish Club report is not just a statistical review, but a practical roadmap for reducing one of the industry’s most persistent risks.
Source
📄 Main Engine Damage Report (2015–2017) – The Swedish Club
🔗 Download the full report here:
https://www.swedishclub.com/uploads/2023/12/Main-Engine-Damage-WEB-2023.pdf
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