Meeting Report on Shaft Alignment Challenges – The Single Sterntube Bearing Design presented by Dr. Chris Leontopoulos, Manager of Corporate Marine Technology at American Bureau of Shipping, Greece at the Greek Section’s Technical Meeting on 18 February 2016
During the Greek Section’s sixth technical meeting for the 2015-2016 season on 18 February 2016 Dr. Chris Leontopoulos, Manager of Corporate Marine Technology at American Bureau of Shipping, made a presentation on recent trends in the design of shaftlines, bringing into light special aspects and challenges of them.
It was argued that since EEDI introduction a new trend for the positioning of the main engine afterwards has started; a shorter and thinner propulsion shaft, heavier propellers and de-rated engines with low RPM at MCR.
This has necessitated the dispensing of the forward sterntube bearing in order to achieve a reasonably flexible shaftline system for a satisfactory shaft alignment. However, It has been noted that the single sterntube bearing design appears to reveal quite a few challenges in the area of shaft alignment, and in particular in respect to the misalignment angle in the aft sterntube bearing as well as the tolerance levels. This becomes apparent when compared to the traditional two-sterntube bearing shaftline designs.
These challenges as well as relevant sensitive design parameters were highlighted in a presentation that lasted almost two (2) hours.
A Q&A session succeeded the presentation, while during the post-meeting reception attendees had the chance to meet with representatives from all segments of maritime industry, discuss and share their ideas.
The meeting was attended by fourteen (14) non-members and forty three (43) members including students and professionals.
For the very first time the meeting was broadcast to members in Europe. Around 10 members joined it virtually.
The presentation can be found here.