Delegates who attended the technical visit on the third day of the Propulsion and Future Fuels conference were lucky enough to visit SKF Marine.
Whose marine solutions are designed to provide, reliable, intelligent, clean products and services to keep vessel operations running smoothly with a full portfolio of solutions, including amongst others, stabilizers, shaft components (Simplex), and oil treatment systems (Turbulo, RecondOil).
This value-added extra encouraged delegates to further network with other industry experts outside of the conference room.
Justin Stecknitz, Project Manager, gave an introduction to the SKF Marine who have a worldwide representation with 647 employees worldwide across more than 60 locations. Their main customers are shipyards, ship owners and OEMs. Typical applications serve navy ships, container ships, cruise liner, dredgers, and many more.
In the last 5 years they have sold 5000 sealing systems delivered for new builds as well as 51 Thrust bearing which is needed for ships driven by electric motors this is why numbers sold of 51 may seem low. More ships are installing electric motors, especially in cruise line - this is showing a change of the market.
Uwe Hawer, Key Account Manager, gave an in-depth presentation on the logistics of the company’s products, explaining how each element fits in to specific engines and individuals requirements, SKF have a variety of products available for vessels. Their Simplex BlueRun bearing solutions are water lubricated, working towards the future. Standards are approved by other organisations including DNV, ABS and Bureau Veritas.
SKF Marine have water lubrication installed on 10 ships, including 3 navy training ship, with 12 on order. Next year that are scheduled to supply 50-60 bearings.
The group were shown an overview of how the systems are put together, with varying options available to meet the individual vessels needs. They were also asked what they expect next in terms of new laws and expectations. This was well received, and some excellent questions fuelled a wider discussion.
Following the presentation, delegates were given a tour of the factory, enabling them to see the manufacturing process in person.
If you missed this year’s Propulsion and Future Fuels, then on-demand videos together with the conference proceedings will be made available this week. Pre-purchase your access here. Login details will be forwarded later this week or alternatively contact the team on conferences@propulsionconference.com
