In a remarkable feat of engineering and environmental stewardship, Thordon Bearings has secured a substantial contract to convert the rubber tailshaft bearings across an entire fleet of Panama-operating tugs, pilot vessels, and workboats to water-lubricated polymer bearings. This groundbreaking agreement with an unnamed operator comes on the heels of the successful retrofitting of Thordon's SXL tailshaft bearings to 12 of the company's twin-screw tugs last year during scheduled dry dockings.
The remaining 32 vessels in the fleet will now undergo a similar transformation, with conversions taking place in batches at planned maintenance intervals over the next four years. For the first batch of retrofit conversions, Thordon will supply a total of 62 bearings, meticulously machined to fit shaft diameters ranging from 63.5mm to 101mm (2.5in to 4.5in). However, the scope of supply extends beyond tailshaft bearings, as Thordon will also provide its ThorPlas-Blue bearings for tiller arms and jockey bars, as well as SXL rudder bearings, all of which operate without the need for grease.
Egnard Bernal, Thordon Bearings' Business Development Manager for Latin America, shed light on the company's long-standing relationship with the operator, stating, "We have worked with this operator since 2020 when we resolved problems with the rubber tailshaft bearings on one of its Spanish-built pilot vessels. Following that initial success, we have retrofitted one vessel after another but have now received a stock order for the entire fleet. All rubber tailshaft bearings will be replaced with SXL at scheduled dry dockings over the next few years. This is a significant order for Thordon Bearings."
The driving force behind this fleet-wide retrofit is the operator's unwavering commitment to environmental protection. Yves Silva, Regional Manager for LATAM, explained, "This owner operates a zero-pollution policy, so we are moving very quickly to install a wide range of environmentally friendly solutions. The company wants all of its vessels to have 100% green operation, and long-lasting Thordon bearings are the most sustainable bearing options available."
Thordon's polymer bearings stand out in the industry for their ability to function without the need for grease or oil lubrication. While environmental protection was a major factor in the decision, the longevity and reliability of these bearings also played a crucial role. Interoceanic waterways are known for their abrasive environments, which can be particularly challenging for bronze-backed rubber bearings. The bronze outer shell and steel housing of these bearings are susceptible to galvanic corrosion, leading to unexpected maintenance costs and drydockings.
Silva emphasized the significance of this contract, stating, "That this owner is planning to 'Thordonize' its entire fleet is testament to the reliability, long wear life, and robust performance of our bearing technology. Our bearings deliver on value, performance, and complete elimination of oil/grease pollution for both newbuild vessels and conversions."
As Thordon Bearings continues to make strides in the maritime industry, this contract serves as a shining example of the company's commitment to providing sustainable, high-performance solutions that not only benefit the environment but also offer long-term value to operators. With each vessel that undergoes the conversion to water-lubricated polymer bearings, Thordon Bearings moves closer to its goal of creating a greener, more sustainable future for the maritime industry.
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