Environmentally safe bearing solutions

Thordon Bearings has expanded its Global Service and Support (GSS) division to meet market demand for installation and maintenance support of its entire product portfolio. GSS now offers more services to assist shipowners, shipbuilders and repair yards with the installation, commissioning, maintenance, and shaft/stern tube alignment services for the full range of oil and grease-free Thordon propeller shaft, rudder and deck bearing products.

TG-100 seals can be easily repaired in-situ, so operators are not required to drydock the vessel to replace component parts. Such was the case recently when a seal was damaged due to an incident in the engine room. Parts were replaced quickly and efficiently to ensure the vessel went back into service swiftly.

There has been a rise in the number of shaft coating projects for new build tankers and bulkers under construction at Asian shipyards. “As more ship owners opt for seawater lubricated bearings, they have to ensure their shafts are protected from corrosion. Our ThorShield shaft protection system is increasingly specified, which is applied by a Thordon GSS Technician to ensure the coating is applied properly so that ship owners can benefit from extended shaft withdrawal inspection periods.”

Andy Edwards, Thordon Bearings’ Commercial Director, said: “We have experienced unprecedented demand for our technologies over the past two to three years. But as the market moves away from traditional oil and grease lubricated bearing systems, with operators increasingly opting for more cost-effective, environmentally sustainable solutions, a comprehensive service network has to be in place to support this growing customer base. We are pleased that the GSS department has been able to meet market demand in such a relatively short timeframe.”

The Thordon Global Service & Support network offers a full scope of bearing installation and commissioning services, oil to water-lubricated bearing conversion management, shaft coating and shaft seal installation and commissioning. GSS will also offer shaft and stern tube measurement and geometrical alignment services for correct positioning of stern tube and bearings.

Thordon Bearings
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