DOUN KISEN CO., LTD.

1307-8,KOHGOH, NAMIKATA-CHO,IMABARI EHIME, JAPAN 799-2110

TEL: 0898-41-9569: FAX 0898-41-6011 E-mail: info@doun.co.jp

Doun Technical Circular

To DRAFT – AS SAMPLE
To Master& Chief Engineer of M/V_____________
Date
Reference Number DKGT – 02 - 2021
Subject Guidance for Slow Steaming (Eco-Speed)
CP Clause 92:
“Under this charter, the charterers to have the option of
ordering the vessel slow steaming as long as the reduced
speed remains within the range of the vessel's capacity but
always MCR up to the level with owner's consent, as long
as weather and safe navigation permit and that it is
harmless to the engine and within a reasonable steaming
time which should not result in bad performance after such
slow steaming. Evaluation of the vessel's performance
Slow Steaming Conditions
shall never be affected by any period of time the vessel was
as per Charter Party
ordered to sail at a reduce / economical speed.

Additionally, the following conditions have been agreed.

①. Minimum 55% (Aux Blower must be AUTO-STOP)

②. Increase 75-85％MCR (4 hrs.) – Refer below Slow
Steaming Guide
③. Fresh water must be supplied by Charterer if Vessel
could not generate during Slow Steaming
④. Back to normal if abnormal

Slow Steaming (Eco Speed) depends on Head Charterer and Head Owner’s (Doun Kisen)
agreement. Therefore, please check every time the vessel is changed to Time Charter
(T/C).
DOUN KISEN CO., LTD.
1307-8,KOHGOH, NAMIKATA-CHO,IMABARI EHIME, JAPAN 799-2110
TEL: 0898-41-9569: FAX 0898-41-6011 E-mail: info@doun.co.jp

Introduction
Slow steaming is a process of deliberately reducing the engine load /output of the vessel to cut down
fuel consumption. However, the following are major concerns or possible issues will certainly lead
into engine breakdown if slow steaming operation is not correctly handled by ship’s staff.

① Fouling turbo charger

② Faulty fuel oil injectors
③ Fouling exhaust gas economizer
④ Soot fire
⑤ Low temperature corrosion
⑥ Heavy carbon deposits on pistons
⑦ Inadequate Cylinder Oil Feed Rate
Variable or Inconsistent atomization of Fuel Oil Injection Valve
⑨ Fluctuation of Fuel Oil Heating Temperature
⑩ Fluctuation of Jacket Cooling Temperature

Countermeasures

① The main components, which are involved in slow steaming operations, are engine fuel and
fuel system equipment (Pumps, injectors etc.). It is necessary to ensure that the fuel is
properly treated and heated to achieve required viscosity for the engine.

② The fuel injectors must be in proper condition for good atomization.

DOUN KISEN CO., LTD.
1307-8,KOHGOH, NAMIKATA-CHO,IMABARI EHIME, JAPAN 799-2110
TEL: 0898-41-9569: FAX 0898-41-6011 E-mail: info@doun.co.jp
③ The fuel booster pressure must always be regulated through pressure regulating valve and
not by adjusting the by-pass safety valve for maintaining fuel pressure and recirculation of
fuel in the system.

④ The jacket and piston cooling water (most of the old engines have water cooled piston)
temperatures must be maintained high to ensure that the combustion of air in the cylinder
does not cool down.

⑤ In main engines with central cooling system, the air cooler’s fresh water-cooling inlet must
be throttled so that a higher air temperature is maintained.
⑥ For system with sea water cooler, the sea water (S.W) inlet temperature must be kept at
higher side to keep the combustion air and in-turn the exhaust temperatures higher.
⑦ With engines fitted with load dependent cylinder oil feed system, it is important to adjust
the feed rate manually based on the result of actual or physical inspection of piston rings
and cylinder liners.

During slow steaming, the engineers must ensure that the exhaust gas temperatures after
each cylinder should not go below 200 Deg C. If the exhaust gas temperature is falling
below this limit, the engine power must be increased till the temperature reaches 275 deg
centigrade.

⑨ To ensure the exhaust receiver trunk is dried out and blow out soot deposits from exhaust
gas passage (trunk, turbo charger and economizer) during full speed operation.
DOUN KISEN CO., LTD.
1307-8,KOHGOH, NAMIKATA-CHO,IMABARI EHIME, JAPAN 799-2110
TEL: 0898-41-9569: FAX 0898-41-6011 E-mail: info@doun.co.jp

Slow Steaming -- Common Causes that leads into Engine Breakdown

① Over lubrication of the cylinder liners is as dangerous as under lubrication. Unless the
engine has a load, dependent cylinder lubrication system which is suited for slow steaming,
the cylinder lubrication rate must be adjusted to optimal value as per manufacturer’s
advice.

② Fouling of the turbochargers and loss of efficiency.

③ Turbochargers operating outside their designed range produce less air flow leading to more
deposits.

④ Increased carbon deposits on the injectors,compromising their performance.

⑤ Fouling of the exhaust gas economizer resulting in reduction of capacity as well as

increased danger of soot fire.

⑥ Reduction in scavenge air pressure resulting in improper combustion.

⑦ Leads to improper atomization of the fuel as well as impingement.

Increased carbon deposits and maintenance intervals have to be modified likewise.

DOUN KISEN CO., LTD.
1307-8,KOHGOH, NAMIKATA-CHO,IMABARI EHIME, JAPAN 799-2110
TEL: 0898-41-9569: FAX 0898-41-6011 E-mail: info@doun.co.jp

⑨ Low exhaust gas temperatures. Running the engine with exhaust gas temperatures below
250 deg C can cause low temperature corrosion.

⑩ Reduced peak compression pressure and eventually poor combustion takes place.

⑪ Damage occurs and becomes imminent when engine is run at full load after long period of
slow steaming.

⑫ Compromises the piston ring pack efficiency, leading to increase under piston and scavenge
deposits.

⑬ Increases the risk of scavenging fires due to sludge deposits on piston underside.

⑭ Loss of heat transfer due to carbon deposits and failure of components due to thermal
stresses.

⑮ Reduction in the efficiency of the economizer causing the need of oil-fired boiler to operate
and adding to extra cost and maintenance.

Thank you for your kind attention and cooperation.

DOUN KISEN CO., LTD.
1307-8,KOHGOH, NAMIKATA-CHO,IMABARI EHIME, JAPAN 799-2110
TEL: 0898-41-9569: FAX 0898-41-6011 E-mail: info@doun.co.jp