Waterjets & Special Drives
Hydraulic Propulsion, Cavitation Dominance, and Operating at the Edge of Stability ENGINE ROOM → Propulsion & TransmissionSystem Group: High-Speed & Specialised PropulsionPrimary Role: High-speed thrust generation through internal hydraulic accelerationInterfaces: Prime Movers · Gearboxes · Intake Ducts · Hull Structure · Control Systems · Steering & ManoeuvringOperational Criticality: Continuous within a narrow operating envelopeFailure Consequence: […]
Pods & Electric Drives
Distributed Propulsion, Electrical Load Reality, and the Consequences of Integration Failure ENGINE ROOM → Propulsion & TransmissionSystem Group: Integrated & Electric PropulsionPrimary Role: Combined propulsion, steering, and thrust vectoringInterfaces: Electrical Generation · Power Management · Cooling Systems · Hull Structure · Control & AutomationOperational Criticality: ContinuousFailure Consequence: Loss of propulsion and steering → electrical instability […]
Thrusters
Transient Thrust, Hydraulic Reality, and the Hidden Load on the Power Plant ENGINE ROOM → Propulsion & TransmissionSystem Group: Manoeuvring & Position ControlPrimary Role: Lateral thrust for low-speed manoeuvring and station keepingInterfaces: Electrical Power · Hydraulic Systems · Control Systems · Hull StructureOperational Criticality: Intermittent but High ImpactFailure Consequence: Loss of manoeuvrability → collision risk […]
Gearboxes & Clutches
Torque Conversion, Load Path Control, and the Failure Modes That Travel Upstream ENGINE ROOM → Propulsion & TransmissionSystem Group: Power Transmission & ReductionPrimary Role: Torque conversion, speed reduction, and controlled power flowInterfaces: Main Engine · Shafting · Thrust Bearing · PTO/PTI · PropellerOperational Criticality: ContinuousFailure Consequence: Load instability → bearing distress → propulsion loss → […]
Shafting, Bearings & Seals
Load Transmission, Alignment Reality, and the Quiet Progression of Failure ENGINE ROOM → Propulsion & TransmissionSystem Group: Shaftline & Power TransmissionPrimary Role: Transmission of torque and thrust from prime mover to propellerInterfaces: Main Engine · Gearbox · Thrust Bearing · Stern Tube · Propeller · Hull StructureOperational Criticality: ContinuousFailure Consequence: Progressive wear → vibration → […]
Propellers
Hydrodynamic Load, Cavitation Reality, and the Consequences of Thrust Mismanagement ENGINE ROOM → Propulsion & TransmissionSystem Group: PropulsionPrimary Role: Conversion of shaft power into controlled axial thrustInterfaces: Main Engine · Gearbox · Shafting · Bearings · Steering · Hull FormOperational Criticality: ContinuousFailure Consequence: Load instability → vibration → bearing distress → loss of propulsion Propellers […]
Faults & Troubleshooting
Faults & Troubleshooting (Marine Engines) Contents < 1. Rapid Troubleshooting Method 1.1 Safety triage (30 seconds) If ANY of these apply, slow/stop immediately and switch to damage-control mode: 1.2 The “4 questions” that save hours 1.3 Minimal instrumentation you should trust 2. Engine Fails to Start / Won’t Turn / Won’t Fire 2.1 Separate the […]
Emissions Control in Marine Engines
Introduction Emissions control in maritime engineering is no longer a regulatory side topic — it is a core design, operational, and maintenance discipline. Modern marine engineers must understand: Contents (Jump Links) 1. Why Emissions Matter at Sea Shipping moves 80–90% of global trade, but it also produces: Unlike land transport, ships: Emissions control is therefore […]
Engine Performance & Tuning
The Practical Engineer’s Guide to Getting Power, Efficiency, and Reliability at Sea Introduction Engine performance is not about chasing maximum power — it is about delivering the required power, at the right moment, with minimum fuel, minimum stress, and maximum reliability. In maritime engineering, performance and tuning sit at the intersection of: Poor performance is […]
Starting & Reversing of Marine Engines
Principles, Systems, Sequences, Safeties, and Practical Engine-Room Reality Meta Description: A complete marine engineering guide to starting and reversing ship engines: air start systems, control logic, interlocks, slow-turning, reversing methods for two-stroke, four-stroke, diesel-electric, and hybrid propulsion. Tags: engine starting, reversing, air start system, starting air, manoeuvring, bridge control, engine safety, turning gear, slow turning, […]