Thordon Bearings, the pioneer in water-lubricated bearings, secured a brand new order for a rudder bearing that was fitted to a 77.1m (253ft) analysis ship that continuously operates in ecologically delicate marine environments.
The 38-year-old Ocean Endeavour, operated by the UK’s Gardline, a multi-disciplinary marine survey firm which operates a fleet of 13 multi-role survey ships, was just lately fitted with Thordon’s SXL rudder bearing at UK Docks Marine Services’ Teesside drydock.
Bruntons Propellers, Thordon’s new approved distributor within the UK, secured the order from the UK-based ship restore group, which operates drydocks and berths all through the nation.
Ocean Endeavour, which runs a pair of Ruston 8RKCM principal engines driving a single four-bladed CP propeller, was beforehand fitted with a bronze rudder bearing. This required substitute as a consequence of age-related put on and tear, and bronze bearing substitute is pricey, says Thordon. This sort of system additionally requires lubricating grease, which will increase the danger of air pollution with grease leaking into the ocean.
Thordon says its water-lubricated SXL bearing is much less expensive and negates the necessity for grease.
Neil McDonald, Thordon Bearings’ Regional Manager, Northern Europe & Africa, mentioned: “The lead time and price we offer for our SXL solutions are two major benefits for ship owners and the yards carrying out refit work. A like-for-like bronze bush replacement would have taken 12 weeks for the part to be delivered and would have been very expensive. We were able to get the SXL material to the yard in a matter of days and for significantly less.”
