Hi Phil, if memory serves, if steam coils failed in a tank the fuel had to be pumped to other tanks and the remainder had to be dug out. Steam provided by separate boiler. The fuel valves (injectors) were driven by exhaust gas (from an adjacent cylinder) pumps. It all worked well and was very economical but the servicing of gas pumps and injectors was continuous. We had 12 Chinese greasers to assist the 3/E. The newer ships (super Ps) had Sultzer Main engines which might not have used HFO but I’m not sure about that. Either way it was a brilliant shipping company to work for and we were treated as family by the owners. My wife accompanied me on our honeymoon voyage, joining in Vancouver for an around the world voyage, west coast Canada, States, Venezuela, US gulf ports, east coast ports up to Newfy St Johns, across Atlantic to Suez, Djibouti (bunkers) Malaya Singapore Bangkok Hongkong where she had to have her Gaul bladder removed. 2 weeks convalescing in HK then long flight home via Bombay, Tehran, Vienna and London. To get her airfares paid we were meant to do a double header and missed out on Philippine’s and Japan but the company waived the fees. She accompanied me on quite a few voyages including west Africa.
Really memorable times for her.
What a great life we’ve had together. Hoping to return to uk after nearly two years in Oz due to covid.
Jerry C.