Increasing the maintenance budget

Oct 13, 2025 by vinooalluri.com 60 views

Ship Engine Maintenance Strategy for MT Operational Effectiveness: A Case Study of PT. Citra Bintang Samudra Line, Medan

Introduction

Proper maintenance of ship engines is crucial for ensuring operational effectiveness. At PT. Citra Bintang Samudra Line in Medan, the main engine, MT. Bintang's image, plays a vital role in the smooth operation of shipping. However, during the period 2009 to 2014, periodic maintenance activities did not run optimally, causing significant downtime and losses in productivity. In this article, we will discuss engine maintenance strategies and how not optimal maintenance has an impact on the operational effectiveness of the ship.

The Importance of Ship Engine Maintenance

Ship engine maintenance is a critical aspect of ensuring the operational effectiveness of a vessel. A well-maintained engine can reduce downtime, increase productivity, and minimize losses. On the other hand, neglecting maintenance can lead to engine damage, breakdowns, and reduced efficiency. In the case of PT. Citra Bintang Samudra Line, the company experienced a significant decrease in maintenance costs from 93% in 2009 to 58% in 2013-2014. This decrease had a direct impact on the effectiveness of the main engine, which was tested using the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) method and measured through Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Performance and Losses Analysis

The low OEE value of 82.24% in 2014 was analyzed to understand the causes behind this problem. Based on the data obtained, there were several types of losses that affected the effectiveness of the main engine:

Breakdown losses (43.01%): This loss occurs due to engine damage, resulting in operational stopping. This damage can be associated with lack of routine maintenance that can prevent severe damage.
Quality Defect and Required Losses (29.91%): This loss is caused by products that do not meet quality standards. This can be caused by poor maintenance that is unable to maintain the quality of the machine so that it affects the final product.
Speed losses (27.08%): This occurs when the engine does not operate at the maximum capacity. Non-optimal maintenance can cause the machine to run slower than it should.

The results of the study also identified various factors causing the operational failure of the main engine in 2014. The main causes of engine damage include:

Turbocharger me damaged (29%)
Gasket/Packing Cylinderhead leak (19%)
Valve in-out cylinder head leak (15%)
Exhaust cylinder head leak (12%)
Overheate machine (8%)
Sea water pump for main engine & auxiliary engine (7%)
Seating Valve Intake & Exhaust Leak (5%)
Fresh Water Pump for a Damaged Main Engine (4%)
CLUTH CLOPPING CARGO SLUCT (1%)

Strategic Recommendations for Machine Maintenance

Based on this analysis, several strategic steps need to be taken to increase the effectiveness of the machine and reduce downtime:

Increasing the maintenance budget: Companies must consider increasing budget allocation for machine maintenance to prevent large damage and extend the life of the engine.
Application of Routine Maintenance Schedule: Develop a strict and planned maintenance schedule for all main machines. This includes periodic examinations and replacement of components that are vulnerable to damage.
Employee training: Provide training to the operational team about the importance of machine maintenance and how to conduct initial inspection to identify problems early on.
Implementation of Monitoring Technology: Using technology to monitor engine performance in real-time. Monitoring systems can detect anomalies in engine performance and provide warnings before problems become serious.
Evaluation and Adjustment Strategy: Periodically review and evaluate the effectiveness of the maintenance strategies applied and make adjustments if needed.

Conclusion

Maintenance of MT ship master engine, Star image, is a very important aspect to achieve optimal operational effectiveness. By implementing the right maintenance strategy, PT. Citra Bintang Samudra Line can minimize losses and increase productivity. Applying the steps discussed above will assist the company in achieving an OEE target of at least 85% and reducing the risk of damage that can hamper ship operations.

Recommendations for Future Research

This study highlights the importance of proper maintenance of ship engines to ensure operational effectiveness. Future research can focus on:

Developing a more comprehensive maintenance strategy that incorporates advanced technologies and techniques.
Conducting a cost-benefit analysis of implementing a routine maintenance schedule and employee training programs.
Investigating the impact of maintenance on the overall performance of the ship and its crew.

By implementing the right maintenance strategy, ship operators can reduce downtime, increase productivity, and minimize losses. This study provides valuable insights into the importance of ship engine maintenance and highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Ship Engine Maintenance Strategy for MT Operational Effectiveness

Q: What is the importance of ship engine maintenance?

A: Ship engine maintenance is crucial for ensuring operational effectiveness. A well-maintained engine can reduce downtime, increase productivity, and minimize losses. Neglecting maintenance can lead to engine damage, breakdowns, and reduced efficiency.

Q: What are the common causes of engine damage?

A: The common causes of engine damage include:

Turbocharger damage
Gasket/Packing Cylinderhead leak
Valve in-out cylinder head leak
Exhaust cylinder head leak
Overheating
Sea water pump failure
Seating Valve Intake & Exhaust Leak
Fresh Water Pump failure
CLUTH CLOPPING CARGO SLUCT

Q: What is the role of routine maintenance in preventing engine damage?

A: Routine maintenance is essential in preventing engine damage. It includes periodic examinations and replacement of components that are vulnerable to damage. A strict and planned maintenance schedule can help identify potential problems early on and prevent costly repairs.

Q: How can employee training improve ship engine maintenance?

A: Employee training is critical in improving ship engine maintenance. It can help operational teams understand the importance of machine maintenance and how to conduct initial inspections to identify problems early on. Trained employees can also perform routine maintenance tasks more effectively, reducing the risk of engine damage.

Q: What is the benefit of implementing monitoring technology in ship engine maintenance?

A: Implementing monitoring technology can help detect anomalies in engine performance and provide warnings before problems become serious. This can reduce downtime and increase productivity by allowing maintenance teams to address issues promptly.

Q: How can a company evaluate the effectiveness of its maintenance strategy?

A: A company can evaluate the effectiveness of its maintenance strategy by:

Monitoring OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) values
Tracking maintenance costs and downtime
Conducting regular audits and inspections
Gathering feedback from employees and customers

Q: What are the key steps in developing a comprehensive maintenance strategy?

A: The key steps in developing a comprehensive maintenance strategy include:

Conducting a thorough analysis of engine performance and maintenance costs
Identifying areas for improvement and developing a plan to address them
Implementing routine maintenance schedules and employee training programs
Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the maintenance strategy

Q: How can a company minimize losses and increase productivity through effective maintenance?

A: A company can minimize losses and increase productivity through effective maintenance by:

Implementing a comprehensive maintenance strategy
Conducting regular audits and inspections
Providing employee training and development opportunities
Investing in monitoring technology and other tools to support maintenance efforts

Q: What are the benefits of achieving an OEE target of at least 85%?

A: Achieving an OEE target of at least 85% can help a company minimize losses and increase productivity by:

Reducing downtime and maintenance costs
Improving engine performance and efficiency
Enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty
Increasing competitiveness in the market