Undocumented oil leakages : A study about stern tube seals and leakages

Sammanfattning: The majority of the vessels in the commercial fleet utilize oil lubricated stern tubes. Unfortunately, this brings about a risk of oil leaking from the stern tube into the marine environment if the stern tube seal would become worn or damaged by foreign materials. Previous studies concluded that, on average, 2.6 litres of oil per day leak out from the stern tube of ships. This essay has investigated the causes that could increase the leakage rate from the stern tube by reviewing literature, interviewing experts, and sending out surveys with questions regarding the subject. The answers that were received painted a clear picture that it is impossible to get a perfect seal on a stern tube. The causes that could influence the leakage rate were design related, such as vibrations, the rotational speed of the propeller shaft, radial and axial movements of the propeller shaft, as well as external causes such as the quality of water and foreign materials, for example, fishing lines and nets. The question whether water lubricated stern tubes were a viable alternative compared to oil lubricated stern tubes was also investigated. The result was that the bearing on a water lubricated stern tube did not have as long lifespan as an oil lubricated bearing.