Wartsila launches new stern tube seals

The bio-sealing ring will help meet the requirements of the US EPA 2013 Ship General License Regulation that will take effect on December 19. The regulation requires that the vast majority of merchant ships operating in American waters use environmentally acceptable lubricants at all oil and water contact surfaces unless it is considered technically impossible to do so.

According to reports, environmentally acceptable lubricants, commonly referred to as biodegradable oils, will challenge conventional seals, but Wärtsilä stated that due to the use of new additives in the sealant, the new seals can have a lifespan of at least five years. , And ordinary seals recommended replacement time is two and a half years.

W?rtsil? bio-sealed ring is mainly used for fixed propeller system. Although Wärtsilä claims that the W?rtsil? biosphere can be used for controllable pitch propellers, it is advisable that shipowners consult with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to confirm the compatibility of environmentally acceptable lubricants.

Wärtsilä claims that the W?rtsil? biosphere has undergone extensive trials and that the expectation of extended useful life has a positive impact on the docking and related costs. The seal is suitable for both new and modified ships.

According to Ryu Onishi, general manager of Wartsila Sealing and Bearings Japan, “The W?rtsil? bio-seal represents the latest developments in the field. The latest U.S. EPA regulations concerning the use of environmentally acceptable lubricants in the stern tube seals Requirement. In the global scope, the introduction of the seal ring is in full compliance with the rapid development of the marine industry more environmentally friendly sealing ring requirements."