Thordon Bearings has received an order through its Italian distributor Pedrotec to supply a seawater-lubricated COMPAC propeller shaft bearing package to Seven Seas Explorer, the 56,000gt cruiseship under construction at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard.
The Seven Seas Explorer, Regent Seven Seas’ first newbuild contracted to Fincantieri, has been designed to set new standards in both passenger comfort and environmental protection.
Craig Carter, Director of Marketing, Thordon Bearings, said: “The award of this prestigious contract marks a number of firsts for Regent Seven Seas. Not only will Seven Seas Explorer be the most luxurious cruiseship ever built, it will be the owner’s first Fincantieri-built cruiseship and exceed already stringent marine environmental regulations. We are delighted that Regent Seven Seas has selected our COMPAC system, the first water-lubricated propeller shaft system for the cruise line.
“More and more shipowners are realising that water-lubricated propeller shaft systems not only meet US EPA rules governing the use of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EAL) but its use can also reduce operational costs. Seawater-lubricated bearing technology negates the purchase, storage and disposal of costly mineral and synthetic oils.”
The US Environmental Protection Agency is enforcing regulations introduced in December 2013 that stipulate all vessels over 24m operating in US waters must switch over to EALs in all oil-to-sea interfaces before their next dry docking.
“When used in conjunction with the COMPAC bearing system, seawater – an approved EAL – lubricates the bearings to ensure the smooth, effective and safe operation of the vessel. Not only do we guarantee our seawater-lubricated system for a wear life of fifteen years, but it reduces substantially a shipowner’s annual operating and maintenance costs, compared to an EAL-lubricated metal bearing and two seal system,” continued Carter.