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Stephenson's Rapid P&O Prop Repair
01 Jan 2002
A damaged Kawasaki bowthruster propeller recently brought operations to a halt aboard the P&O European Ferries (Irish Sea) Ltd vessel European Diplomat.
Upon inspection it was discovered that one of the blades had worked loose . The propeller hub was removed and transported to Stephenson Marine, a division of Stephenson Engineering plc, at their premises in Wrecclesham, Surrey, England , for complete survey and repair. On arrival, the hub was stripped down and a survey of all parts carried out.
The blade securing nut had completely unscrewed and the blade itself was free to be pulled from the hub. The crank ring was severely damaged and the drive pin holes were elongated, allowing free play before any movement of the crank ring.
The outer trunnion bearings fitted in the hub were excessively worn oversize and showed deep scoring on the bearing surfaces.
Also, the thrust faces were badly scored. The inner trunnion bearings were worn and oval, the bearings being damaged by the propeller blade dropping and coming out.
Extraordinary damage to several other component parts necessitated extensive repair and reconditioning of the whole assembly prior to relocation aboard the European Diplomat.
Colin Ranson, Marine Services Manager, said, 'Stephensons have recently established a worldwide network of overhaul and repair engineers and, as a preferred supplier to P&O, the damaged hub and propeller blade fell within our obligations to them. Complete turnaround, from removal of the damaged hub and propeller to the return to operational duties took a total of only ten days.'
MJ Information No: 16620
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