- McKeil Marine has operated a diverse fleet serving Canadian waters since 1956.
- The retrofit prevents oil and grease discharge into the Great Lakes.
- COMPAC and SXL bearings enhance performance and environmental compliance.
Thordon Bearings has delivered COMPAC water-lubricated propeller shaft bearings and SXL rudder bearings for McKeil Marine’s bulk carrier Northern Venture. The retrofit replaced oil- and grease-lubricated systems as part of a major refurbishment projects, reports Thordon Bearings.
About McKeil Marine
Founded in 1956, McKeil Marine is a Canadian marine transportation company that maintains a diverse fleet, comprising tugs, barges, workboats, as well as vessels such as bunkers, cement carriers, and tankers. The company services the St. Lawrence Seaway, East Coast, and Canadian Arctic.
In 2022, McKeil purchased the 155m (508.5ft), 19,651dwt Northern Venture, a River Class self-discharging vessel with a forward discharge boom and a single point loading system for easy cargo transfer.
Environmental Commitment
The conversion to a water-lubricated propeller shaft and grease-free rudder bearings aligns with McKeil Marine’s environmental commitment to prevent oil or grease discharge into the Great Lakes. “It’s part of our continuous commitment to our people, our customers, and the communities in which we operate,” said Andy Vary, Director of Technical Operations at McKeil Marine.
Retrofit Information
Summer 2023 retrofit at COSCO’s Nantong Shipyard in China included:
COMPAC Bearings: fitted to the 409mm (16.1in) diameter propeller shaft on the vessel, as well as Thordon’s Water Quality Package for clean water lubrication and cooling.
SXL Rudder Bearings: Greaseless bearings with high abrasion resistance and shock load-bearing capacity.The ship entered service on the Great Lakes in December 2023.
History of Cooperation
McKeil Marine has been utilizing the product of Thordon Bearings for several decades. The world’s first Thordon water-lubricated propeller shaft bearing was installed by McKeil Marine for its Great Lakes tug back in the late 1970s. This development saw numerous other Great Lakes vessels opting for Thordon’s environmentally friendly technology.
Advantages of Thordon’s COMPAC Bearings
Thordon’s COMPAC propeller shaft bearings have the following benefits:
- Made from a cross-linked polymer alloy that possesses low friction and smooth movement.
- Enhanced abrasive resistance and hydrodynamic performance for longer wear life.
- Innovative design with smooth lower surfaces and grooved upper surfaces to promote hydrodynamic film formation.
- Eliminates the need for damage-prone aft seals.
- Provides fuel savings and reduced emissions compared to oil-lubricated systems.
Thordon’s Water Quality and SXL Rudder Bearings
Water Quality Package: Supplies sea or lake water to propeller shaft bearings, removing suspended solids for effective lubrication and cooling.
SXL Rudder Bearings: Greaseless operation, with high abrasion resistance, tolerance to shock loads, and extended wear life.
Industry Leadership
Thordon Bearings has been serving major shipowners such as McKeil Marine, Algoma Central, American Steamship, CSL, Lower Lakes Towing, and Interlake Steamship for over 30 years. More than 120 vessels operating on the Great Lakes now feature Thordon’s water-lubricated components, which signifies the company’s impact on the global shipping industry.
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Source: Thordon Bearings
