To demonstrate to commercial ship owners that modern seawater lubricated propeller shaft bearing systems do offer wear life predictability, reduced  operating costs and elimination of stern tube oil pollution risks, Thordon Bearings has introduced a 15-year bearing wearlife guarantee for its COMPAC pollution free stern tube bearings.  Full details will be made available at the SMM international trade fair in Hamburg, Germany on September 23rd, 2008, at Hall A4.157.

Using proven bearing designs and technologies developed by Thordon Bearings, ships trading in the world’s oceans and seas can now eliminate both operational and accidental stern tube oil pollution (STOP) while also reducing their operating costs.  Zero tolerance for any kind of ship source pollution is now becoming the norm and international regulations are becoming more and more stringent.

In newbuild applications, the Thordon COMPAC Propeller Shaft Bearing System is guaranteed to meet Classification Society wear specifications for 15 years or Thordon Bearings Inc. will supply new bearings free of charge.  The bearing guarantee is targeted at commercial newbuild vessels with shaft diameters of 300mm (12”) or greater and COMPAC bearings enclosed in stern tubes.

In order to control the bearing environment, the COMPAC propeller shaft bearing system includes non-metallic COMPAC bearings, a Thordon Water Quality Package, shaft liners, Thor-Coat shaft coating and a forward seal.

Thordon is offering this guarantee based on proven bearing wearlife experience in commercial vessels over the last 20 years.

The improvements for ship owners using seawater lubricated COMPAC bearings include:
· Reduced operating costs (no aft seal and no oil required in stern tube)
· Proven performance and reliability
· Fitting and monitoring methods to meet Class Society approvals
· Zero pollution risk

Thordon Bearings also continues to offer the15-Year SXL Rudder Bearing Wear Life Guarantee ensuring provision of a replacement if a Thordon SXL rudder bearing wears out and requires renewal before the 15-year period.  The guarantee covers pintle, rudder stock and carrier disc bearings above and below the waterline in newbuild Classed vessels.

Thordon Bearings Inc. designs and manufactures a complete range of environmentally friendly propeller shaft, rudder, shaft line and deck equipment products for the global marine market. Recognized internationally for superior performance in marine applications, Thordon Bearings has a worldwide customer service network in over 70 countries.