Scuttlebutt was interested to learn that two recent superferry newbuilds, which were fitted with traditional shaftline propulsion instead of pods because of the owner's suspicion that pods were unreliable, have been more trouble than they are worth. The propulsion system has 'shaken itself to bits'with wild vibrations, forcing many welding repairs to be carried out. The problem was reduced a little when the electronic engine controls were synchronised, but issues still remain. Scuttlebutt bets the owner might not be so averse to podded propulsion in the future.
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