Chinese yards adopting Thordon's seawater-lubricated bearings

The shipowner behind the contract has operational experience with Thordon's COMPAC systems aboard 12 bulk carriers and three car carriers. The latest order will see the units installed on vessels ranging from semi-submersible heavy lift vessels to bitumen tankers and seismic vessels, ranging in size from 90,000 dwt down to 12,800 dwt.

Craig Carter, director of marketing & customer service at Thordon Bearings, said: “Traditionally, COMPAC’s core market has been cruise and naval ships, with over 2,000 references across these sectors. But whether it’s a consequence of more stringent environment legislation, the higher cost of new EAL’s (Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants), or increasing corporate social responsibility, we are seeing a marked increase in the number of quotes for seawater-lubricated systems from owners of merchant and offshore tonnage.”

The bearing packages will be delivered to six Chinese yards throughout this year and next.

“We are seeing more and more Chinese shipyards specifying the COMAPAC system in their standard designs now. Unlike the oil-lubricated variety, a seawater-lubricated propeller shaft does not require an aft seal making it quicker and less complicated to install,” added Carter.