Keep your propulsion systems in top working order using computer-based analytical techniques and onboard attendance for technical investigations, including main propulsion shaft alignment, diesel engines, electric motors, shafting, gearing, dampers, couplings and propellers, noise and vibration investigations.

Minimise downtime or time off-hire with rapid and impartial assessments. Our Technical and Failure Investigation experts can de-risk ship propulsion shafting system installation during new construction, before the ship enters service, particularly if the installation was from inexperienced shipyards or during busy periods of ship new construction orders. 

We can help shipyards to achieve the LR ShipRight, ShaftRight {N: D, I} descriptive notation award for ship new construction projects as well as with in-service propulsion shafting issues such as:

  • Failed aft sterntube bearing
  • Abnormal bearing wear and loading
  • Misalignment
  • Vibration and leaking stern seal issues

Proper alignment reduces wear, prevents vibration, and improves efficiency, improving operation and maintenance. We use three complementary methods to determine alignment:

  • Bearing jackings: Determining a bearing’s static vertical load. We use an electronic load cell and display to show shaft lift/jack load characteristics electronically for maximum accuracy.
  • Strain gauge alignment: A technique developed with the following benefits:
    • Determines the main engine coupling loading condition.
    • Identifies transverse in addition to vertical static bearing loads.
    • Calculation of bearing loads at normally inaccessible, but critical, locations such as sterntube after and reduction gearing bearings.
    • Identifies the changes in shaftline deflections as a function of vessel loading condition.
  • Optical/laser alignment: Repeatedly and easily check correct alignment and operation using a datum line-of-sight.