Egypt’s SUMED pipe driver Arab Petroleum Pipeline Company (SUMED) has actually finished the tailshaft conversion to Thordon’s SXL seawater-lubricated bearing system for 7 unique objective solitary factor mooring (SPM) solution watercrafts.
The last vessel in a collection of 17.5 m (57.4 feet) long, 1976– constructed solution watercrafts had its initial oil-lubricated tailshaft bearings changed with the Thordon system at Nefertiti Marine’s Yard- K, in Rosetta Nile, in December 2022. The very first vessel, SUMED 10, was transformed in 2019.
Referring to the very first setup, Karim Abd El Karim, Engineering Manager with Nefertiti Marine, Thordon Bearings’ licensed supplier in Egypt, that has actually supervised the conclusion of all 7 conversions, stated: “Oil was leaking from the shafts, and the operator was looking for a longer lasting bearing solution, resistant to abrasive waterways. We proposed the SXL material as the right solution to meet all performance and environmental needs. The vessel owner agreed.”
In enhancement to SXL tailshaft bearings machined for shaft sizes of 95mm (3.74 in), Nefertiti Marine supplied category authorization illustrations as well as recommended on the setup procedure with to appointing. All 7 solution watercrafts obtained the very same range of supply.
“The success of that first installation, together with the reliability and availability of Thordon’s SXL bearings, lead times and Nefertiti Marine’s engineering expertise, gave us the confidence to convert all our special purpose service boats to seawater-lubrication. The perennial problem of worn aft seals leaking oil into the sea and canal has now been solved.”
A water-lubricated tailshaft plan negates the requirement for an aft seal, infamously susceptible to failing, causing oil air pollution, pricey fixings, as well as downtime. Only an ahead seal is called for in an open system.
SUMED’s fleet of solution watercrafts aid vessels in filling deliveries from the SUMED oil pipe. The pipe, which ranges from the Ain Sokhna incurable in the Gulf of Suez to Sidi Kreir port in the Mediterranean Sea, offers a different to the Suez Canal for transferring oil from the Arabian Gulf area to the Mediterranean.
SXL tailshaft bearing received situ bearings are set up on the inside of the wheels (Photo: Thordon Bearings)
“We are delighted that SUMED has put its trust in our zero-pollution, low-maintenance bearings to deliver environmental and economic benefits,” stated Neil McDonald, Thordon Bearings’ Regional Manager– Northern Europe & & Africa.
“Based on the success of that first installation, the other vessels in the fleet spent less time in drydock, reducing vessel downtime considerably. The company is now looking at converting greased deck equipment bearings and rudder bearings to our grease-free ThorPlas-Blue bearings,” he stated.
Thordon Bearing’s SXL as well as ThorPlas-Blue non-metallic bearings are excellent services for tugboat, dredger as well as various other seaside workboat drivers aiming to quickly transform their shut oil-polluting seal system to services extra in-line with their Environmental, Sustainability as well as Governance objectives.
“Compared to oil-lubricated metal bearings, SXL eliminates shaftline pollution forever,” enhanced McDonald.
An open SXL water-lubricated bearing system is additionally more economical than brand-new, white-metal bearings that run with 2 oil seals; nonetheless, vessel drivers aiming to transform need to do so prior to existing shaft linings are as well used, maybe feasible to make use of existing shaft linings as well as merely change the bearings with Thordon, giving extra expense benefits.
“We are seeing increased market interest for Thordon’s water-lubricated and grease-free seal and bearing products across the Middle East,” stated McDonald.
“With the completion of these conversions, Thordon Bearings continues to grow its retrofit market, while increasing workboat reliability and improving the environment in the waters of the middle east.”
