ES Kestrel undergoes upgrade underway with greaseless Thordon Bearings
The worn bronze bearing was replaced with new grease-free Thordon bearings (Source: Thordon Bearings)
The replacement became necessary after the stern roller experienced turning issues, attributed to seized and worn bronze bearings due to grease lubrication failure. Stern rollers are crucial for anchor handlers like the ES Kestrel, which deploy and retrieve anchor chains in challenging conditions.
The Thordon SXL bearings, known for their high abrasion resistance and ability to withstand high pressures and shock loads, offer an environmentally friendly solution as they operate without oil or grease. The installation involved custom engineering and fitting of 360mm bearings, saving time and costs by avoiding drydocking.
Malcolm Barratt, Thordon's Regional Manager, highlighted the upgrade’s benefits, stating, "Thordon’s SXL bearings enhance performance and sustainability, reflecting the shipowner's commitment to innovation."
Thordon Bearings anticipates refurbishing the stern roller bearings on more vessels following this successful upgrade.
