Thordon Bearings has unveiled an innovative Thordon-Blue Ocean Stern Space(T-BOSS) system during the SMM trade show in Hamburg, Germany. This propeller shaft line design, developed in collaboration with the Blue Ocean Alliance, proposes an evolution of ship design, having eliminated “the classic stern tube” from ships, offering operational and environmental benefits.
The “stern tube-less” system and technology
The T-BOSS system includes several leading Thordon technologies, such as the COMPAC polymer bearing, a bearing condition monitoring system, the Wärtsilä Enviroguard shaft seal and a water quality package. This solution has been designed to replace the stern tube system with a “dry chamber”, allowing inspections and maintenance tasks to be performed while the vessel is afloat, a procedure that has never been possible before.
[post_relacionado]“The T-BOSS will enable significant reductions in material and labor costs for shipyards, while operators will benefit from operational savings over the life of the vessel. In addition, the elimination of the stern tube and its lubricating oil significantly reduces the risk of environmental pollution penalties. ”.
Anthony Hamilton, Thordon’s technical director.
The projected savings for operators who opt for this system could exceed US$1 million, due to the optimization of fuel consumption. fuel consumption optimization, lower maintenance costsThe projected savings for operators opting for this system could exceed $1 million due to optimized fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs and improved axle alignment. Moreover, the T-BOSS complies with ABS STBLess-W standards, introduced by ABS in June 2024, making it a highly reliable and efficient option.
The future of T-BOSS and business interest for Thordon Bearings
The new system has attracted interest from shipyards in China and South Korea, where quotations have been sought for the construction of container ships and gas carriers with the stern tube-less shaft design. Craig Carter, vice president of business development for Thordon Bearings, explained, ” The shipyards have quickly identified the commercial and operational advantages of the T-BOSS. We look forward to receiving orders soon. ”.
This breakthrough was also praised by ABS and the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI), who have noted that T-BOSS could play a vital role in reducing emissions from the maritime industry.
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Source and photo: Thordon Bearings