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NEW LINESAFE PROPELLER SHAFT BEARING DESIGN
A new bearing from Wärtsilä
could offer significant
improvements to the performance
of intermediate shaft bearing
solutions.
Dubbed the Wärtsilä Linesafe,
the bearing has a simplified design
to enhance flexibility and lower
lifecycle costs, building on the core
technology in its existing line shaft
bearing solutions. The more
simplified design is said to enable
shorter lead times as well as fast
spare part delivery and service
response.
"It's a major step forward in
bearing design," said Laura Lois,
Product Manager, Wärtsilä Seals &
Bearings. "The Wärtsilä Linesafe is
designed to address the needs of
marine and offshore owners and operators. The bearing design addresses market requirements such as
increased radial load capacity, allowable shaft slope as well as a reduced amount of oil necessary for operation.
The modular design enables the bearing to be tailored for use in various operating environments, and in
customer-specific applications."
Further operational improvements of the standard design include readiness to connect a pump when forced
lubrication is required, water cooling availability, interchangeable upper and lower bearing shells, and selfaligning
design. In addition, the system can be equipped with a 'safe return to port' functionality when in
flooded conditions.
A hydrodynamic bearing with a modular housing made of high quality cast iron, the bearing is selflubricating
and suited for all vessel types from cruiseships to military vessels.
WASTEWATER
GREEN SOLUTIONS FOR RESEARCH SHIP
Named REV, for Research and Expedition Vessel, a new 182.9m ship owned by Rosellinis Four-10 and designed
by Espen Øino in collaboration with VARD Design, is expected to be the world’s most environmentally-friendly
nautical vessel when launched in the summer of 2020.
Mini-submarines and overwater drones will enable researchers to take measurements from the atmosphere
as well as 6000m below the sea’s surface. And in addition to its functions as a research and expedition vessel,
REV may be chartered for pleasure cruises, the revenue from which is intended to partially fund the ship’s
scientific voyages.
At a time when public awareness of plastics drifting at sea may be at an all-time high, REV is equipped to
collect and melt up to five tonnes of plastic per day without harmful emissions.
Noteworthy green credentials are its engine, a diesel electric with an additional 3MW lithium ion battery
pack for peak shaving ensuring optimum efficiency and silent running under batteries alone. The vessel will
employ heat recovery on main generators and the incinerator, to be fed back into hot water circuits and HVAC.
REV will use the VARD SeaQ “Green Pilot” system for monitoring CO2, SOx and NOx emissions, allowing the
vessel to minimize its carbon footprint. A ballast water treatment system will prevent species cross
contamination across ocean zones, and the ship is built under DNV-GL SILENT-R notation for maximum
prevention of underwater noise pollution.
Evac will supply its Complete Cleantech Solution, consisting of vacuum collection systems for sanitary waste,
dry- and food waste collection and treatment systems, and wastewater treatment systems, including a
membrane bioreactor with nutrient removal. These cleantech solutions will ensure the vessel will not leave
even a trace of an environmental footprint.
“The REV project goes well beyond the minimum required by rules and regulations and demonstrates a
sincere commitment to a sustainable marine environment,” says Kjell Erik Reinstad, General Manager of Evac
Norway AS. “Evac is humbled to be a part of this project.”
From the owner’s point of view, REV sets new standards in both ship building and environmental
responsibility. “REV is just one example of our full commitment to finding solutions to pressing environmental
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