Thank-you to Ferghal Purcell General Manager, QE2 Dubai for sending photos showing the journey to reunite QE2's propellers. It is good to know that the new feature has been well received in Dubai.
As previously mentioned, after years of sitting idly here in Dry Docks in Dubai, and months of persuasion, and at a significant cost, we reunited both propellers here at The QE2, after years apart.
Ferghal has given us the narrative composed by Michael Gallagher on the propellers. Thank-you to Michael for letting us post this information. Siblings Reunited : Twin Propellers of the QE2 1988-2018
Since her maiden voyage in 1969, the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) stood as a testament to maritime engineering prowess. At the heart of her power and speed were her iconic propellers, an engineering marvel that defined her legacy. From her maiden voyage to her retirement, QE2 had three sets of propellers, which were the driving force behind her legendary journeys. Each set represented a chapter in her storied history, embodying the spirit of innovation and resilience that defined this iconic vessel.
Set One (1967 – October 1986)When QE2 set sail, as a steam ship, she boasted the most powerful twin screw vessel in the world, thanks to her six-bladed, 5.8 meters in diameter propellers. Manufactured by Stone Manganese Marine, these solid cast steel unit of 65 tons propellers represented a breakthrough, utilizing cutting-edge design and extensive testing to eliminate vibration, ensuring a smooth voyage for passengers.
Set Two (November 1986 – July 1988)In 1986, QE2 underwent a transformative reengining. The ship embraced a new era with a 5.8 -meter diameter, five-bladed, controllable pitch propellers from Dutch firm LIPs. These propellers, each weighing 42 tons, not only enhanced efficiency but by turning the controlled blades sufficiently, QE2 could be halted and then sent astern whilst the propellers still rotated in the same direction, a feat unheard of in cruise ships at the time. The controlled pitch of the blades would do the rest, enabling QE2 to go from 34 knots ahead to 19 knots astern – faster than most cruise ships could cruise forwards!
The new propellers were augmented by pseudo-propellers called Grim Wheels named after the German inventor Dr Ing Otto Grim. However, this experiment was short-lived. The Grim Wheels suffered an unforeseen failure when parts of it broke off on her return to Southampton from Bremerhaven, leading to their removal in 1987. Unfortunately, the QE2 had experienced vibration issues because of these propellers resulting in passenger discomfort and complaints. In 1988 Cunard decide to replace 5.8-meter propellers with a 6.1-meter set.
Set Three (July 1988 – 22 March 2018)The third set of propellers, larger at 6.1 meters in diameter, marked a turning point. The increased diameter and blade configuration eliminated ‘tip vortex’ which had been identified as the source of the noise and vibration. QE2’s post-refit trials astonished crew members; she effortlessly reached 31 knots, proving noise and vibration issues were a thing of the past. Over her years of service, these propellers were meticulously maintained, enduring multiple inspections and refits to ensure QE2’s continued excellence.
Spare Six-Bladed Set (1967 – 1990)Cunard's foresight led to the creation of a spare set, a strategic move that would ensure QE2’s uninterrupted service. Stored in Southampton docks, these propellers remained on standby, ready to be deployed if needed. Although never used in service, their fate took an unexpected turn when they found new life as golf clubs, a unique transformation that echoes the ship’s legacy of innovation and adaptability.
The set of propellers you see before you are the third and final set, used on the QE2 from 1988 to 2008. During which time they have sailed over 3 million nautical miles. The only pair of propellers in the UAE to have travelled such a distance. A mammoth testament to the QE2’s legacy and heritage.
