OPTIMALISASI PERAWATAN KOMPONEN TURBOCHARGER GUNA MENINGKATKAN KINERJA MESIN INDUK PADA MV. CMA CGM HOMERE

Abstract

The Turbocharger is a vital component of a ship’s main engine that utilizes exhaust gas energy to drive the turbine and compressor, thereby increasing the air supply to the combustion chamber and improving engine power output. This research was motivated by a surging incident on the main engine Turbocharger of MV. CMA CGM HOMERE on 11 May 2025 during the voyage from Kingston, Jamaica to Rio Haina, Dominican Republic, which forced the engine speed to be reduced from 73 rpm to 55 rpm, as well as a drop in scavenging air pressure from 1.05 bar to 0.45 bar accompanied by an increase in cylinder inlet air temperature on 19 May 2025. The research problems addressed are why the Turbocharger speed became abnormal and why the main engine performance decreased due to scavenging air entering the combustion chamber in an unclean condition. This study employed a descriptive qualitative method with a case study and problem-solving approach, using data collection techniques including direct observation, interviews with the Second Engineer and the Chief Engineer, and documentation studies during the author’s sea practice on board. The results show that the abnormal Turbocharger speed was caused by a nozzle ring blocked by carbon deposits and soot, as well as a roller bearing whose clearance exceeded the normal limit (axial 0.19 mm and radial 1.2 mm against the normal limits of 0.16 mm and 0.99 mm). The decrease in scavenging air pressure was caused by a dirty air filter (coper mesh) and an unmaintained intercooler. The problems were solved by cleaning the nozzle ring using hot water pressure injection while the engine was running at slow ahead, replacing the roller bearing with a new one according to manufacturer specifications, cleaning the air filter regularly every three months, and performing intercooler maintenance through circulation and injection systems. This study recommends that shipping companies ensure the availability of critical Turbocharger spare parts on board, that marine engineers improve supervision and thoroughness in routine inspections, and that the crew consistently implement the Planned Maintenance System (PMS) to prevent similar disturbances in the future