The Task:

An international cruise line vessel experienced a main bearing failure on its gas turbine engine, requiring the engine to be removed and sent ashore for rebuild and repair. As a result, the associated lube oil and hydraulic systems remained idle for an extended period of 2-3 years.

Prolonged inactivity posed a significant risk of particulate build-up and contamination within the systems. Without intervention, residual particulates and contaminants could compromise system integrity, reliability, and performance upon recommissioning, potentially impacting vessel operations and safety.

What We Did:

Marlin mobilised a specialist riding crew to the vessel while it was berthed at Southampton docks. Our team boarded with all required flushing equipment and machinery to carry out the work independently while the vessel remained in service on route to its next destination.

The team conducted lube oil and hydraulic system flushing for the gas turbine engine system, applying specialist techniques to remove particulates and contaminants that may have accumulated during the extended lay-up period. All works were carefully planned and executed to integrate seamlessly with the vessel’s operational schedule.

The Outcome:

The flushing operation was completed successfully with no interruption to vessel service. The work was carried out while the ship was in transit to New York, allowing the vessel to continue uninterrupted on its world tour.

After eight days onboard, the Marlin Environmental Services team safely disembarked, having delivered a clean, compliant, and reliable hydraulic and lube oil system flush—ready to support the gas turbine engine upon reinstallation and recommissioning.