NCL Star Propulsion Problems

[bajathree]

She is looking good all light up for the night:)

[Heartgrove]

Is dry dock needed for those repairs????

 

Reading through the ship's history, it appears that the Azipod V units have been a problem a number of times. Difficult to do maintenance while at a pier but maybe possible for the propeller seal by divers. The latest XO version has provisions for doing maintenance without dry docking.

[chengkp75]

Reading through the ship's history, it appears that the Azipod V units have been a problem a number of times. Difficult to do maintenance while at a pier but maybe possible for the propeller seal by divers. The latest XO version has provisions for doing maintenance without dry docking.

 

The problems you mention are with the thrust bearing. The reported oil leakage and the fact that they booked the ship immediately leads me to the seal problems. Divers can usually get these fixed. The most common prop shaft seal failure is fishing line getting entangled in the seal. They may be able to cut the line out and reseat the seal. If the seal itself is damaged, sometimes they can bond a new seal in place without pulling the prop. Sometimes the prop will have to be pulled, but the divers can do this as well.

[DrJessica]

So what does this all mean? Will we be able to leave tomorrow? Any updates?

[chengkp75]

Not to worry, she is good and fully capable of maneuvering, they were forced to be tugged in once they reached US waters by USCG.

You can clearly hear this on the radio chatter

 

Since the azipod is steering as well as propulsion, it is standard practice for the USCG to require a tug escort when there has been a reduction in steering redundancy.

[chengkp75]

So what does this all mean? Will we be able to leave tomorrow? Any updates?

 

Short of being a diver on the site, it's hard to say. You may be delayed a day or two, but I don't see a drydock or cancellation.

[heythereyou]

Short of being a diver on the site, it's hard to say. You may be delayed a day or two, but I don't see a drydock or cancellation.

well no dry dock is sounding quite good. A 1 day delay OK but 2 day delay we are only a 6 night cruise but would be much better then a cancel. Can you speculate at all on when You think we might hear what the decision is?

[silvercruiser]

http://porttampawebcam.com/

I have the volume turned up and they're talking about moving the ship somewhat. Not sure exactly what they're up to, but the divers were brought up a little while ago.

[bajathree]

They currently have the dive team working on the azipod. Looks like they pulled some seals off.

[DrJessica]

Ugh! Is this positive news?

[silvercruiser]

NCL told my TA just a few minutes ago that our departure is still scheduled to go on time. I try not to think about Dr.House (tv show) who always said that "everybody lies." :)

[Dawniepoo]

NCL told my TA just a few minutes ago that our departure is still scheduled to go on time. I try not to think about Dr.House (tv show) who always said that "everybody lies." :)

 

Haha Darn that Dr. House

[chengkp75]

They currently have the dive team working on the azipod. Looks like they pulled some seals off.

 

Those look like azimuth seal retainers. If they have them off already, they should be good for departure tomorrow evening.

[Jane Don]

Haha Darn that Dr. House

 

He also said, "Rules are helpful guidelines for stupid people".

 

But don't use that if you get caught breaking any. It doesn't inspire sympathy for some reason :D

[Ruskincruiser]

Thank you bajathree and chengkp75 for the info! 😊

[bajathree]

Progress continues....

[Brandon Girl]

Thank you bajathree and chengkp75 for the info! 😊

AMEN!!!! Thank you!!!

[DrJessica]

Any updates? Does it look like we are all set to leave tomorrow?

[chengkp75]

Given the photos from baja3, I would say they are well on the way, as taking it apart is always tougher. They may still be working while you're boarding, but should be done for sail away.

[Jane Don]

These azipods have been so troublesome.

 

It reminds me of that car everyone has had when you must decide whether to continue to pour money into repairs, get a new engine or get a new car. NCL must be frustrated with this money suck.

[PropulsionGuru]

These azipods have been so troublesome.

 

It reminds me of that car everyone has had when you must decide whether to continue to pour money into repairs, get a new engine or get a new car. NCL must be frustrated with this money suck.

 

It's only on the Star, its bad luck

[chengkp75]

It's only on the Star, its bad luck

 

The Star has had the most for NCL, but I think there have been others, and every line has had several ships with pod problems.

 

And a seal failure is common to straight shaft and prop systems as well.

Edited October 18, 2015 by chengkp75

[PropulsionGuru]

The Star has had the most for NCL, but I think there have been others, and every line has had several ships with pod problems.

 

Agreed, but pods are not always at fault if the maintenance is not followed as required. Also you have to look at it this way; Electrical podded cruse ships consist of ~90% from ABB Azipods, just a few are Mermaid and rest fixed shaft.

[chengkp75]

Agreed, but pods are not always at fault if the maintenance is not followed as required. Also you have to look at it this way; Electrical podded cruse ships consist of ~90% from ABB Azipods, just a few are Mermaid and rest fixed shaft.

 

My feeling about the pod problems is that the demand for size/power has always exceeded the metallurgical design of the thrust bearings. And the design of the early pods that do not allow bearing change from inside was a major mistake. The bearings are getting better but failures still happen.

[Dawniepoo]

My feeling about the pod problems is that the demand for size/power has always exceeded the metallurgical design of the thrust bearings. And the design of the early pods that do not allow bearing change from inside was a major mistake. The bearings are getting better but failures still happen.

 

Well, duh. Everyone knows that ;)