ORIANA's unique repair

In July 2004 while departing from Palma Majorca ORIANA suffered a technical failure in one of her main engines which caused the engine to overspeed with the engines revolution being almost double of its maximum.
Although the engine suffered a large amount of damage which was estimated to be over seven figures in cost the detachment did not occur.
The components affected included pistons,connecting rods, flywheel and the crankshaft all of which would require replacing.
Normally such repairs would take place with a vessel out of service however on this occasion it decided to make the repairs while ORIANA was still in service, with only one engine shut down for repair ORIANA would still be able to make a top speed of 21 knots.
Joining ORIANA to perform the repairs were a team of lifting experts and workers from Lloyd Werft and the engine manufacturer MAN B&W
Of the replacement of components the Crankshaft would be the complicated requiring the 23 ton, 10 metre shaft to be lifted out of the dismantled engine and through the engine room hatch before being lifted out onto the quay side once again in Palma.
Below are a selection of photographs from the repairs.

The engine being dismantled.

The damaged Crankshaft.

The Crankshaft is lifted out of the engine room.

The Crankshaft is lowered on to the quay.

The new crankshaft ready to be put on board.

With the repairs complete and the rebuilt engine tested ORIANA was once again able to attain 24 knots it also marked the only occasion that a passenger ship in service had such major repairs made.

Photos Copyright: P&O Cruises & MAN B&W.