By
Rebecca Gibson |
Thordon Bearings is to install its Compac seawater lubricated propeller shaft bearings on three Viking Ocean Cruises newbuilds.
Thordon’s Compac system will initially be installed on the 47,800gt Viking Star, which is currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard in Italy and is due for delivery in March 2015. Sister ships Viking Sky and Viking Sea, which are both scheduled for delivery in spring 2016, will also be fitted with the system.
Designed to eliminate the need for expensive biodegradable oils and the risk of oil discharge, Thordon Compac propeller shaft bearings are lubricated by seawater, which is returned to the ocean after it has been used. Using seawater as a lubricant means that there is no need for an aft seal, which lowers in-service maintenance costs and removes the need to store, sample and dispose of oils. It also ensures that the vessels can comply with all US Environmental Protection Agency Vessel General Permit requirements.
“We chose Thordon Compac for all our newbuilds because of the long experience of these seawater lubricated bearings, which present no risk of oil pollution,” said Richard Goodwin, vice president of engineering at Viking Ocean Cruises. “With the elimination of aft seal maintenance and no oil required, we are expecting considerable cost savings over the life of the vessels.”
Viking’s ocean ships feature energy-efficient hybrid engines, hydro-dynamically optimised streamlined hulls and bows for maximum fuel efficiency. In addition, onboard solar panels and equipment that minimises exhaust pollution will enable the vessels to meet strict environmental regulations.