Thordon Bearing Finds Novel Use—On Hatch Covers

In a relatively new application for Thordon Bearings’ pioneering polymer material, Wilson Ship Management AS, a Norway-based ship manager, has replaced the greased bronze bearings on the hatch cover wheels of some of its dry cargo vessels with self-lubricating ThorPlas-Blue bearings.

Wilson, which operates a European short sea fleet of 130 general cargo vessels, has now converted eight vessels following the success of the first retrofit three years ago. Thorden sales director Tommy Holmgren said, “Wilson was not aware at first that the Wilson Wisla, which was purchased in 2019, was already operating with Thordon bearings in this application, but when they discovered it was Thordon, they ordered more for other Wilson vessels. To date, we have retrofitted ThorPlas-Blue bearings to the hatch cover wheels on a further seven vessels.”

Retrofits to Wilson Weser took place in 2020, and further installations to the Wilson Borg, Wilson Leith, Wilson Tees, Wilson Alster, Wilson Goole and Wilson Monsoon all took place in 2022 during scheduled drydockings.

“The ship manager is closely monitoring performance, but, so far, the feedback is very positive. We anticipate increased interest for ThorPlas-Blue in this application,” Holmgren said.