Schiff&Hafen | Issue 06/2023
Water-lubricated stern tubes to benefit sensitive sea regions SKF Marine
Approximately 90% of the world’s ships are equipped with traditional, oil-lubricated stern tubes. However, vessels operating in polar or US waters must adhere to stricter regulations. The Polar Code prohibits any discharge of oil and, under 2013 Vessel General Permit regulations, vessels operating in US waters must use environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) in all oil-to-sea interfaces, where technically feasible. Many ship operators therefore opt for stern tubes with an alternative oil-to-sea interface, such as the Simplex Airspace seal or a completely water-lubricated unit....