Pollution Free Propeller Shaft Bearings Operating in Seawater Rather Than Oil Shortlisted for Ocean Environmental Protection Award

Canadian manufacturer, Thordon Bearings’ seawater lubricated propeller shaft bearings have been shortlisted for the Ocean Environmental Protection Award at the 2011 Sustainable Shipping Awards to be held in London, England, July 7, 2011.

There are currently over 2000 ships using Thordon seawater lubricated propeller shaft bearings and that list is growing. Thordon’s bearing system completely eliminates oil from the ship stern tube by using seawater as the lubrication medium and Thordon non-metallic bearings in place of the metal bearings. The seawater is taken from the sea, pumped through the bearing positions and then flows into the sea. By using a Thordon bearing system, shippers can reduce millions of litres of stern tube oil lost annually to our oceans and seas.   The risk of an emergency aft stern tube seal repair to prevent oil pollution, costing ship owners up to $250,000+, is also eliminated.

Seawater lubricated propeller shaft bearings were recommended by World Wildlife Fund and Friends of the Earth International in 2010 at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting to achieve the goal of zero pollution from ships, set by IMO Member States and international shipping associations.

Thordon Bearings Inc. designs and manufactures a complete range of non-polluting propeller shaft, rudder and shaftline products for the global marine market. Recognized internationally for superior performance in marine applications, Thordon Bearings has a worldwide customer service network in over 100 countries.