Innovation in Ship Design: Sterntubeless Vessels

Setting Course, an ABS Podcast

A revolutionary vessel design with a novel aft layout could reduce a vessel’s environmental impact and promote efficient operations.
Craig Carter, Thordon Bearings Vice President of Business Development, and Dr. Chris Leontopoulos, ABS Vice President of Technology, joined host Brad Cox on this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, to discuss the Blue Ocean Alliance’s design for a sterntubeless propeller shaft bearing arrangement and its potential for the maritime industry.
Learn more about the sterntubeless design from the ABS Requirements for Sterntubeless Vessels with Water Lubricated Bearings.
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Key Points

• Decarbonization in shipping often focuses on fuels, but ship design matters as well.
• The water-lubricated sterntubeless design can reduce the risk of oil leaks from the propeller shaft.
• Seawater lubrication is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
• The design allows for easier maintenance and inspection of bearings.
• The design can increase cargo capacity by optimizing space.

Guests
Craig Carter is the Vice President of Business Development for Thordon Bearings, a manufacturer of a complete range of zero pollution propeller shaft, rudder and shaftline products for the global marine market. He has been actively working with ship owners, government and special interest groups to provide cost effective solutions to eliminate oil and grease discharges from ships ensuring no environmental impact on our oceans, seas and rivers. He has been involved in the promotion of oil- and grease-free bearing systems for the marine, clean power generation and offshore industries since 1996.
Dr. Chris Leontopoulos is Vice President of Technology for ABS. He joined the ABS office in Greece in 2007 as a senior engineer in plan approval and has assumed a number of roles of increased responsibility over time. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. He graduated with a bachelor's degree, a master's and a doctorate in mechanical engineering all from Imperial College in London. He also holds a master's degree in business administration. He is currently involved as a project manager in two IACS machinery working groups on Shaft Alignment Damages and Barred Speed Range.

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1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Reducing Oil Leak Risk From Propeller Shafts (00:01:07)

3. Genesis of the Sterntubeless Design (00:06:15)

4. Hurdles to Application (00:09:22)

5. Regulatory Impact of Sterntubeless Design (00:15:28)

6. Status of Sterntubeless Design in Global Fleet (00:20:07)

7. Closing Thoughts (00:23:29)