Britannia rides on Thordon Bearings’ COMPAC system

'P&O Cruises’ new flagship is the third Britannia in the company’s illustrious history. The first entered service in 1840, while the second was built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887. It also operated a water-lubricated shaft seal and bearing system,' said Andy Edwards, commercial director, Thordon Bearings.

Prior to 1950, seawater was used as the lubricant for all vessels with lignum vitae used as the bearing material to support the propeller shaft, while stuffing boxes acted as the seal to prevent seawater from entering the engine room, Edwards said.

'The propeller shaft bearing has evolved considerably since then and we are pleased that P&O Cruises has chosen such an environmentally safe technology,' he added.