Prevention of stern tube damages
02.05.24, Industry PolicyCefor Technical Forum memo issued to raise awareness and promote actions that can mitigate the risk of claims related to stern tubes.
Members of Cefor have experienced a significant increase in these damages over the past ten years.
Stern tube damages can result in loss of propulsion, require tug assistance and in worst cases require salvage. Operational failures to the stern tube system should be reported to the classification society. In case of increased bearing temperature and/or water ingress to the system, do not continue operation over a longer period without assessment and guidance from maker.
The Technical Forum is supporting the information and recommendations brought forward in a Gard Insight article and DNV Technical and Regulatory News, and urges Owners to pay attention to this.