A method an apparatus for operating an underwater power plant including a support structure; at least one turbine; at least one electric machine configured to be operated as a generator or a motor, the at least one electric machine being in an at least indirect drive connection with the at least one turbine and the at least one electric machine in a motive operation is configured to drive the at least one turbine to produce a propulsive power; and a spacer element between the at least one turbine and the support structure, wherein the at least one turbine is attached to one end of the spacer element and a pivot joint to the support structure is attached to an opposing end of the spacer element, a linkage point of the pivot joint having an eccentricity which is a lateral offset to a force action line of the propulsive power.