The short video aims to encourage adoption of ‘New Technologies for Greener Shipping’ — the IMO’s World Maritime theme for 2022 — as a way of addressing the sector’s environmental footprint.
Focusing on SDG#14 - Life Below Water and eliminating ship source pollution, one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the video asserts 'there is no place for the oil lubricated propeller shaft in the 21st century.'
'There is no doubt that flag states and governing bodies are piling pressure on shipowners to invest in technology that prevents all forms of pollution. Regulations are becoming stricter and equipment more expensive, but there are proven, less costly, zero-emission alternatives available,' said Craig Carter, newly appointed VP business development, Thordon Bearings.
Carter, who in his new role will be working with shipowners, environmental agencies and consortia to ensure 'green ship' designs include a specification for seawater lubricated shaft lines, said 'a green, zero-emission ship must address pollution both above and below the waterline.
'Strongly opposed' to continued use of oil-lubricated shaft systems
'We are strongly opposed to the maritime industry’s continued use of an oil-lubricated propeller shaft system and believe the elimination of oil emissions forever from a ship's propeller shaft is possible today, ensuring that no damage to the environment can be attributed to the propeller shaft system. Anything less is contrary to the ethos behind the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG#14, and other initiatives intended to save our oceans and seas,' Carter said.
According to Carter, Thordon's polymer bearing technology also has a variety of other benefits that include reduced operating expense while maintaining the same technical equivalence to the sealed oil-lubricated shaftline and reduced fuel consumption and emissions as less propulsive energy is used.
Research paper to come
'We are close to concluding research and will publish a paper on our findings in the coming months,' he said.
Thordon is presenting the video at Nor-Shipping in Lillestrøm, Norway, this week.
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