ORIANA's manoeuvrability

As well as being a fast ship ORIANA is also a highly manoeuvrable one being comparable in that respect it some naval vessels.
This is thanks to her system of twin high lift rudders positioned behind her propellers and her four transverse thrusters.
Manufactured like her propellers by LIPS BV based in the Netherlands ORIANA has three bow thrusters and one stern each with a output of 1,500kW these allow the ship to turn within her own length and allow for the ship to dock with out the assistance and the cost of a tug, in all but the most severe sea conditions.

ORIANA's bow thrusters being maintained during a refit.

While ORIANA's thrusters are only of use at low speeds, the ships main means of manoeuvring is by her twin high lift rudders having the twin rudders allow for more efficient turning at then was possible with the traditional system of the centre mounted rudder and was relief to the officers who had previously been assigned to CANBERRA who despite being well loved had a reputation for being sluggish in responding to her helm control.

ORIANA's Rudders.

When docking ORIANA's thrusters, rudders can be combined with the propellers under one control to make docking as easy as possible for the bridge crew.

Photos Copyright: P&O Cruises.