From Workshop to World Leader in Shaft Repair

From the lathe to the world

MarineShaft - Built on Strength

MarineShaft’s journey from a local machine workshop to a global player in maritime repair and engineering is a story of innovation, resilience, and strategic growth.

The foundation of what would eventually become MarineShaft A/S was laid in the late 1960s at Ove Christensen A/S, a company established in 1938 at Havnegade 18 in Hirtshals. At the time, damaged propeller shafts meant costly and time-consuming replacements. However, a new method for straightening bent shafts was developed - an innovative solution that dramatically reduced downtime for vessel operators. Though initially unapproved by classification societies, the method proved effective, and word spread quickly.

Svend Peter straightening a rudder stock

Breakthrough

Classification Societies

In 1972, Bureau Veritas became the first classification society to officially approve the straightening process, following extensive testing at the Danish Technological Institute. Other societies followed, marking a shift in maritime maintenance standards.

The certification process involved testing three steel samples:

1. One left untouched
2. One bent back and forth twice
3. One bent back and forth five times

The samples were then sent to the Danish Technological Institute, where pieces were cut and tested for structure, tensile strength, Charpy V-notch test, etc. The tests showed that the steel still met the acceptable limits for certification.

Groth and new workshop

Groth and the establishment of the Pier 2 Workshop

In 1976, Ove Christensen A/S established a new machine workshop at Pier 2 in Hirtshals, which equipped the company with larger machinery, including a 6-meter lathe and a custom-made hydraulic press for cold straightening. This expansion signaled a growing ambition, even as some questioned the need for such advanced equipment. Over the next decade, the machine workshop gained a reputation for its high-quality work in engine and propeller repairs, rudder services, and other ship maintenance tasks.

Commercial Success and Rebranding

Ups and Downs

The early 1980s brought commercial momentum. The concept of shaft straightening was aggressively marketed, resulting in a significant increase in revenue. In one peak year, around 150 shafts were straightened. To strengthen its international appeal, Ove Christensen A/S rebranded as OC Marine in 1987. It also operated the Hirtshals Shipyard, extending its reach in shipbuilding and repairs.

However, the late 1980s proved to be a challenging period. Financial and operational difficulties led to a near collapse. Though never officially bankrupt, OC Marine was sold off in parts, and most operations ceased, except for the machine shop on Pier 2, which remained intact.

In the early 1990s, Wärtsilä acquired both the shipyard and the remaining assets of OC Marine. Under local management at Havnens Maskinværksted, a brief revival emerged, centered on innovation in mobile machining and onboard repair solutions.

A new chapter

The Foundation of MarineShaft A/S in 2004

Knud Andersen, our founder, established MarineShaft A/S in June 2004 in the small workshop (previously Ove Christensen A/S) with limited machinery, but with one unique asset: a hydraulic press for cold straightening. He hired the best repair specialists to help realize his vision of cold straightening and repairing damaged propulsion and rudder equipment for the maritime industry. Shortly after, Anders Jensen joined MarineShaft as an investor and co-managing Director.

From 4 to 100 employes

With decades of experience and a reputation for technical excellence, the new company quickly established itself in the global maritime market. One of its distinguishing features was the continued refinement and certification of the shaft-straightening method.

Expansion and Modernization

Pathways to Growth

MarineShaft’s early success prompted rapid expansion. In 2008, the company acquired a seven-acre site on the outskirts of Hirtshals and began construction of a modern 1,600 m² workshop, equipped with cranes capable of lifting 100 tons. A new storage hall followed in 2009.

The workshop has since been extended in 2020 by an additional 60 meters, and we doubled the crane capacity to a total of 200 tons.

Even during the financial crisis, MarineShaft maintained momentum. When Wärtsilä closed its Hirtshals operation in 2013, MarineShaft acquired the vacated buildings at Jens Munksvej 1, including the machinery, not out of necessity, but as a strategic move to maintain a competitive edge.

Today and tomorrow

MarineShaft – Strong Leadership, Strong Team

MarineShaft is managed by its founders, Knud Andersen and Anders Jensen, who remain actively involved in the company’s development. Anders Jensen serves as the acting Managing Director, working closely with the leadership team and the board to ensure that MarineShaft stays on course and continues to grow.

Today, the company employs around 100 dedicated specialists and staff, who together deliver certified propulsion and rudder repair solutions for the maritime industry, serving clients worldwide.

With a solid foundation of experience and a strong focus on quality, MarineShaft is well-positioned to meet the demands of the global maritime industry – now and in the future.

The picture shows Denmark's King Frederik 10. with our owners, Anders Jensen and Knud Andersen, on either side of him when he visited our facilities in 2010 while he still the Crown Prince.

Crown prince surrounded by Ander and Knud who started MarineShaft