Thordon’s Compac ordered for Meriaura’s clean coasters
Thordon Bearings’ Swedish distributor, Duwel Sweden, has signed a contract with Caterpillar Propulsion for the supply and installation of Thordon COMPAC seawater lubricated propeller shaft bearing systems to the two general cargo ships Dutch shipyard Royal Bodewes is building for Finland’s Meriaura Group, Thordon Bearings said in a news release.
Each state-of-the-art 4700 dwt VG EcoCoaster™, designed by Meriaura Group together with partners Foreship and Aker Arctic Technology, will feature COMPAC bearings, a Thordon Water Quality Package and a forward shaft seal in order to exceed current and anticipated environmental regulations.
Pekka Werdi, Meriaura’s Technical Manager, Projects, said: “The EcoCoaster design is the most energy-efficient cargo ship of its class, underscored by some of the most energy-efficient designs and marine systems available.
Meriaura’s 2012-built special purpose vessel Meri was reportedly the world’s first cargo ship to run on biofuel.
The single screw vessels’ dual fuel ABC 8DZC main engine will be capable of burning biofuel in addition to marine gas oil (MGO), while additional power for ice conditions will be provided by a diesel electric booster system.
Delivery of the first VG EcoCoaster™ is due at the end of July, 2016 with the second following in October, after which they will be operated by Meriaura subsidiary, VG Shipping.
About Thordon Bearings
A worldwide leader in seawater lubricated propeller shaft bearing systems with over 25 years’ experience in this technology, Thordon Bearings designs and manufactures a complete range of non-metallic sleeve bearing solutions for marine, clean power generation, pump, offshore oil, and other industrial markets. The polymer bearings operate pollution free without oil or grease. Thordon Bearings is the only manufacturer of propeller shaft bearings to guarantee its COMPAC system for a 15 year wear life.