Tjaldrið nears return after engine repairs

The Faroese defence ship Tjaldrið is close to returning to service after a damaged engine mechanism was repaired, KVF reported. A replacement part that could not be bought new was rebuilt abroad and has now been fitted.

The 50-year-old ship has been docked since suffering engine trouble on 20 August. The repair work has gone well, and the ship is expected to be ready to sail again soon.

Bárður Jensen, chief engineer on Brimil, another ship currently undergoing repairs, explained that the damaged mechanism transfers the propeller’s forward thrust through the gearbox to move the ship.

The damage occurred inside the mechanism. Jensen said two surfaces pressing against each other had become so hot they were almost blue. The shaft moved forward into the mechanism and also damaged it. The problem arose while the ship was being towed, forcing the crew to shut down one engine immediately and reduce the load.

Several components were sent abroad for repairs. Jensen said three shafts went to Denmark, where bearings on the smaller components were replaced and the shafts and gears inspected.