High-Performance Composite Rudder & Stern Bearings for Ships

THT Marine Polymer Water-Lubricated Stern & Rudder Bearings are specially designed for modern marine vessels, offering environmentally friendly, oil-free operation with superior durability. Made from high-performance engineering polymers and fiber-reinforced composites, these bearings provide low friction, minimal water absorption, high wear resistance, and corrosion-free performance in both seawater and freshwater environments.

Zero Oil Pollution: Fully water-lubricated design compliant with VGP & Polar Code.
Long Service Life: Outstanding wear resistance, even in abrasive waters with sand or silt.
Low Friction & Start-Up Torque: Smooth operation with reduced energy loss and vibration.
Corrosion & Electrolysis Resistant: Non-metallic structure eliminates galvanic corrosion.
Low Water Absorption: Stable dimensions, no swelling, ensuring tight tolerances.
Maintenance-Free: Operates grease-free, reducing downtime and operating costs.
Customizable Sizes: Available from OD 50 mm to 2500 mm, supporting stern tube, rudder stock, and pintle applications.

The COMPAC Open Seawater Lubricated Propeller Shaft Bearing System eliminates oil and grease discharges while delivering the lowest operating costs for ship owners. Oil systems can be expensive to maintain, especially when utilizing an EAL. With an open Thordon system, there is zero environmental impact and the headaches that come with oil leakage can be avoided completely, and seawater is free! A COMPAC system guarantees compliance to the everchanging environmental regulations in the shipping industry.

Durable polymer stern and rudder bearings engineered for seawater and freshwater applications. Designed for zero oil discharge, low friction, and long wear life, they ensure reliable performance under harsh marine conditions. Custom sizes up to OD 2500 mm, certified by major classification societies.

High-Performance Composite Rudder & Stern Bearings for Ships

Applications

By replacing traditional bronze or rubber bearings with our advanced polymer technology, shipowners benefit from longer bearing life, reduced maintenance, and full environmental compliance. Our bearings are widely used in commercial vessels, naval ships, ferries, and offshore platforms, and are supported with class approvals from major societies.

Marine Spare Parts Supply Chain Optimization Solutions

Reliable Marine Equipment Supply Chain

THT Marine, a trusted global marine equipment supplier, delivers a reliable marine equipment supply chain.Backed by a comprehensive inventory and partnerships with certified manufacturers, we support seamless operations for shipbuilders and offshore fleets. providing durable, compliant marine components for demanding maritime environments.

Professional Marine Service Team

THT Marine’s certified marine engineers provide 24/6 expert after-sales support, including rapid troubleshooting, maritime compliance audits, and OEM part replacements to minimize downtime for shipping, offshore, and yacht sectors. Our team ensures seamless communication.

One-Stop Marine Equipment Procurement

THT Marine offers an extensive range of marine equipment, from deck machinery to electrical systems, with competitive bulk pricing and tailored procurement solutions for shipyards, port authorities, and contractors. Our digital platform enables instant quotes, streamlined inquiries, and paperless transactions for faster delivery.

Global Shipping Supply Chain Optimization

Ensure timely delivery of bulk marine equipment with our global logistics network, offering air, sea, and land freight solutions. we empower shipyards, port authorities, and offshore contractors to stay competitive. Optimize operations with customized procurement plans and express marine equipment delivery

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Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are used for polymer stern tube bearings?

Polymer or composite stern tube bearings are typically made of engineered elastomeric polymer alloys (e.g., Thordon’s COMPAC, SXL, RiverTough) or reinforced thermosetting composite resin (e.g., Duramax’s DuraBlue)

Do these bearings require oil or grease?

No — they are designed to be oil-free, utilizing seawater or freshwater as the lubricant. This reduces pollution risks and aligns with environmental regulations.

How resistant are these bearings to wear and swelling?

Composite bearings exhibit virtually zero swelling in seawater and high abrasion resistance due to their engineered composite resin matrix (water absorption ≤ 0.09%).

Do these bearings require water filtration or supply systems?

Yes — for water-lubricated stern tube bearings, a minimum continuous water flow is needed. Thordon recommends 0.15 liters/minute per mm of shaft diameter to ensure proper lubrication.

Are these bearings approved by classification societies?