Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal has been shortlisted for The Dredging & Port Construction Innovation Awards 2016 in the Innovation in Dredging Equipment category. The awards are organised by the trade magazine IHS Dredging & Port Construction. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on the 10th November 2016, the company said in its press release.
Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal is an innovative new seal that can be fully serviced underwater without setting up a habitat. The product was officially launched at the end of 2015 and is the first product of its kind on the market, offering customers increased uptime and lifecycle efficiency.
Earlier this year, Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal also became a runner-up in the European Marine Engineering Awards and is currently also shortlisted for the Lloyd’s List Global Awards 2016.
The Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal was created to provide the customers with maximum up-time and cost benefits. The development of the final solution was an extensive process, involving vigorous testing programs including DFMEA (Design Failure Mode Effect Analysis) and PFMEA (Production Failure Mode Effect Analysis). The human element was considered at all stages of the development process. One of the essential elements was the inclusion of third-party personnel, such as specialist diving teams, ensuring real and tangible improvements in the live underwater environment.
Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal can be used to retrofit any other type of seal and is available for any vessel type. Retrofit in dry dock can be carried out without removing the propeller or shaft, and for regular service and maintenance it is not necessary to drain oil from the stern tube for underwater overhaul. The Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal also includes an inflatable emergency seal, which reduces the risk of environmental pollution, and an inner rope guard for enhanced protection. Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal is also compatible with Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALS).
The Dredging & Port Construction Innovation Awards 2016, organised by IHS Dredging & Port Construction magazine, are highly regarded as a global mark of recognition within the dredging and port construction industry. IHS Dredging and Port Construction, published by IHS Markit, is one of the leading international magazines for the world of marine civil engineering. This year’s shortlisted entries will be judged by the panel on the 10th October. The winners will be on announced at a gala dinner and ceremony at the Marriott Grosvenor Square, Mayfair on the 10th November 2016.