Wärtsilä has launched its new Bio Seal Ring product for maritime stern tube seal applications. It is the first seal on the market that works with environmentally acceptable lubricants (EAL), also known as bio-degradable oils, for a lifetime of at least five years. Conventional seal rings are recommended to be changed at two and a half year intervals.
The new product enables compliance with the US Environmental Protection Agency's Vessel General Permit 2013 legislation, which comes into effect December 19. From this date, all commercial vessels over 79ft operating in US waters will be required to use EALs in all oil-to-water interfaces unless deemed technically infeasible to do so.
"The new Wärtsilä Bio Seal Ring represents the latest development in this field. It conforms with the latest EPA legislation relating to the use of EALs within stern tube seals," said Ryu Onishi, managing director of Seals and Bearings in Wärtsilä Japan.
Wärtsilä's Bio Seal Ring is suited to fixed-pitched propeller systems. It can also be retrofitted to existing vessels. The first deliveries of the product will take place in October.
Image of Wärtsilä's Bio Seal Ring courtesy Wärtsilä.
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