In August 2002, a bulk carrier, was fitted with 3 Vesconite Standard rudder bearings and 3 Vesconite Superclad stern tube Bearings

Bulk vessel awaiting repairs in a floating dock

Rudder bearing sizes - Vesconite standard used
310 x 270 x 223 mm (12" x 11" x 9") upper bearing
365 x 325 x 645 mm (14" x 13" x 25") middle bearing
233 x 201 x 250 mm (9" x 8" x 10") lower bearing

Stern tube bearing size - Vesconite superclad used
414 x 350 x 356 mm (16" x 13" x 14")
413 x 347 x 625 mm (16" x 13" x 24")
413 x 347 x 615 mm (16" x 13" x 24")

The term Superclad refers to a Vesconite bearing that is built up on the outside surface with a reinforcing system, to achieve the required external dimension.

Vesconite Superclad bearing with grooves

For fitting, the Vesconite bearings were first cooled with liquid nitrogen to reduce the diameters, and were then slid easily into the housing.

Advantages of Vesconite Superclad: Can be built up to any outside diameter to avoid the time lost in producing another bearing. Advantages of freeze fitting: Freeze fitting is the easiest way to install Vesconite bearings.

Fitting a Vesconite Superclad bearing after cooling with liquid nitrogen