In relatively recent times mv Dilkara (1971-1986) must take some beating. She had 3 x 18 cylinder Pielstick 2.2 engines (54 pistons,54 fuel pumps & injectors, 12 turbochargers, 108 exhaust valves ...... etc) geared to one shaft with a 3000KVA alternator attached to the two forward engines and all connect by Fawick pneumatic clutches.
I think it was around Christmas 1975 she had a fire whilst entering San Francisco and after establishing that no one was injured there was some rejoicing in the company because it might prove to be the end of her!
I was dispatched to see what could be done and unfortunately the damage wasn't terminal and she was returned to service after a few weeks. But not before she was fined (not for the first time ) for making polluting smoke as she departed. It was long before the days of AIS but if you ever wanted to know where she was, you just had to follow the plume of smoke across the Pacific!
I think it was around Christmas 1975 she had a fire whilst entering San Francisco and after establishing that no one was injured there was some rejoicing in the company because it might prove to be the end of her!
I was dispatched to see what could be done and unfortunately the damage wasn't terminal and she was returned to service after a few weeks. But not before she was fined (not for the first time ) for making polluting smoke as she departed. It was long before the days of AIS but if you ever wanted to know where she was, you just had to follow the plume of smoke across the Pacific!