AMA Marine boosts fleet efficiency

AMA Marine operates a fleet of chemical and oil tankers equipped with Hans Jensen Lubricators (HJL). We have interviewed Mr. Sittipong Chinthangor , Technical Manager about upgrading cylinder lubrication of their two-stroke engines.

Currently, the fleet consists of nine vessels primarily engaged in transporting palm oil and other vegetable oils across southeast Asia. AMA MARINE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand.

What was the situation before the upgrade?

- Before upgrading to Hans Jensen Lubricators (HJL), our vessels faced significant issues with high cylinder oil consumption. Our crew had to manually adjust the cylinder oil volume injected into the cylinder liner, which required increasing or decreasing the JQA handle during engine maneuvering, explains Mr. Chinthangor.

- This manual adjustment presented some challenges for us, resulting in excessive cylinder oil consumption. Additionally, we observed high level of carbon deposits on the piston crown and piston ring grooves, leading to frequent breakage of piston rings.

What are the benefits now?

- Since implementing HJL solutions, we've noticed a substan-tial decrease in cylinder oil consumption. The pistons, piston rings, and cylinder liners are in much better condition, with fewer instances of breakage and reduced carbon deposits during inspections.

- The cost savings from reduced cylinder oil consumption have been significant, ranging between 20-35%. We also anticipate further savings in spare parts costs, such as piston rings and cylinder liners, due to the improved performance and reduced wear and tear, he continues.

The system is easy to manage. It provides the team with confidence that the cylinder oil volume will appropriately lubricate the piston rings and cylinder liner regardless of RPM changes. This improvement has not only enhanced the reliability of their engines but also reduced maintenance needs and lowered the pressure on the engine crew.

Why did you decide to upgrade more engines?

- The decision to upgrade more engines with HJL equipment stemmed from the positive results observed during the trial phase. The first ship installation was completed in March 2023, and since then, we have closely monitored the main engine cylinder liners, piston rings, and carbon deposits, Mr. Chinthangor replies.

- The satisfactory outcomes, including improved performance and reduced maintenance issues, have convinced both our team and crew of the benefits.

What is your experience working with Hans Jensen Lubricators?

- Our experience working with Hans Jensen Lubricators has been very positive. We have had excellent collaboration with HJL engineers, both in the office and on-site. The commissioning service engineers are highly knowledgeable and experienced, ensuring smooth installation and operation of the equipment, Mr. Chinthangor concludes.

Summary

By reducing cylinder oil consumption and enhancing the condition of engine components, AMA Marine has not only achieved cost savings but also improved the reliability and performance of its vessels. The positive experience with HJL’s team further underscores the benefits of the upgrade, making it a worthwhile investment for the company.

If you would like to know more about HJL solutions, please go to our website.