There is described a centralised lubrication system and a method for lubricating the cylinder faces in large diesel engines, in particular marine engines. The system includes at least one lubricating apparatus (2) having a rotating control shaft (18) for preferably running synchronously with the main shaft (44) of the diesel engine. In order to make a system that does not have a mechanical drive between the lubricating apparatus (2) and the main shaft (44), the system is constructed with an AC motor (36) driving the control shaft (18). Reference means (72, 78) are provided in association with the main shaft (44), indicating the angular position of the main shaft, and sensor means (74, 76, 80) detecting the position of the reference means. Furthermore, the system includes a control unit (40) receiving signals from the sensor means and which includes means for detecting angular position as well as angular speed of the reference means and thereby of the main shaft (44). The control unit (40) is connected with and controls the AC motor (36) for regulating the rotation of the control shaft (18) and thereby actuation of reciprocating pumps providing the cylinder lubrication.