IHC Lagersmit retrofits part of Maersk Ship Management fleet

By: Dustin van Horik

Maersk Ship Management has appointed IHC Lagersmit to retrofit their existing seals on the Dublin, Scotia and Lagan Seaways to SUPREME® seals.

With more and more maritime companies focusing on sustainability, durability and efficiency, the interest in retrofitting to new stern tube seals grows. Having a strong focus on green and efficient operations, Maersk Ship Management has appointed IHC Lagersmit to retrofit their existing seals on the Dublin, Scotia and Lagan Seaways to SUPREME^® seals.

As René Bonhof (Fleet Group Manager at Maersk Ship Management) explains:
“Our motivation is obvious. Improvement in design for long-term trouble-free operations. The original design caused us too many problems.”  The ships have been retrofitted in April, July and August 2010.

Initially, it was problems with the existing seal brand on the Dublin and Scotia Seaways that made Maersk decide to upgrade to SUPREME seals. The goal was to improve the seal design to guarantee long-term trouble-free operations. While planning maintenance for another ship, the Lagan Seaways, Maersk faced long delivery times for the spare parts of the existing seal. As a consequence of this, Maersk also decided to convert the Lagan Seaways seals. The Dutch seal manufacturer was double challenged: seals had to be delivered fast and maintenance should take place with a short time in dry dock, without withdrawing the shaft. Designed and delivered by its separate Retrofit Department, the solution was found in a fully split SUPREME seal which was delivered on time.



New seal systems
The Lagan Seaways’ new seal solution comprises a fully split SUPREME seal featuring bronze housing parts, a dirt barrier and cathodic protection. The Dublin Seaways and Scotia Seaways are equipped with SUPREME seals featuring bronze housing parts, the wear resistant IHC Lagersmit HML liner coating, dirt barriers and cathodic protection.

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