Modern chemical carriers, product carriers, and specialized tankers widely use FRAMO hydraulic cargo pumping systems, which have remained the industry standard for cargo operations for many years. Reliable operation of this system requires ship engineers to have a deep understanding of the hydraulic circuit, control systems, power units, submerged pumps, alarm systems, and troubleshooting methods.

The AtSea project presents a specialized course, “FRAMO Cargo Pumping System,” designed for ship engineers of all skill levels, as well as for deck officers who wish to gain a more detailed understanding of the operational features of modern cargo pumping systems.

The course is built on practical experience from ship operations, manufacturer technical documentation, and real-world operational scenarios that tanker fleet crews face daily.

The training covers the following topics in detail:

• Architecture of the FRAMO hydraulic system and interaction of key system components.
• Operating principle of hydraulic power units (HPUs) and their role in supporting cargo operations.
• Design and purpose of high-pressure and low-pressure supply and return lines.
• System operating parameters, pressure and temperature monitoring, and operational limits.
• Remote control system, pilot hydraulic lines, and cargo pump control logic.
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), automation systems, and equipment operating algorithms.
• Design, operation, and maintenance of FRAMO submerged cargo pumps.
• Construction and operation of variable-displacement hydraulic pumps.
• Hydraulic oil cooling and filtration system.
• Hydraulic oil quality requirements, ISO VG standards, ISO 4406, and system contamination control.
• Correct procedures for filling the system with oil after repairs and maintenance.
• Filling and bleeding high- and low-pressure lines.
• Oil level monitoring, make-up system, and transfer pump operation.
• FRAMO alarm and safety shutdown system.
• Detailed breakdown of all major alarms and shutdowns.
• Hydraulic system fault diagnosis.
• Identifying causes of failure to start power units and cargo pumps.
• Analysis of typical PLC faults, communication system issues, sensor failures, and actuator malfunctions.
• Practical recommendations for preventing emergencies and minimizing equipment downtime.

Special attention is given to real operational problems most frequently encountered during cargo operations, including system pressure drops, filter clogging, return line issues, oil overheating, cooling system malfunctions, and control errors.

For junior engineers, this course will build a solid technical foundation and provide a confident understanding of the operating principles of one of the most complex shipboard cargo systems.

For experienced engineers, the course serves as an effective tool for deepening knowledge, systematizing accumulated experience, understanding the nuances of FRAMO equipment operation, and improving interview preparation for leading shipping companies.

For deck officers, the course offers an opportunity to better understand the technical side of cargo operations, improve communication with the engine room team, and gain a deeper insight into the vessel’s cargo system operation.

Upon completing the course, participants will confidently navigate the FRAMO system architecture, understand equipment operating logic, properly analyze emergency situations, and make technically sound decisions when operating modern tankers and chemical carriers.

The course is recommended for:
• Junior Engineer
• Fourth Engineer
• Third Engineer
• Second Engineer
• Chief Engineer
• Electrical Technical Officers (ETO)
• Deck Officers involved in cargo operations
• Ship inspectors
• Technical superintendents
• Candidates preparing for interviews for tanker and chemical carrier fleets

The AtSea project continues to expand its range of specialized technical training programs, enabling seafarers to gain practical knowledge that is in demand on modern vessels of the global fleet.