TYPE APPROVAL FOR NEW SHAFT SEAL

Kooiman Shipyard in the Netherlands has obtained Bureau Veritas Type Approval for its Stern Tube Aft Seal which it has been developing for several years.

This stern tube seal is suitable for both retro-fit and new building applications. Combined with an integrated rope guard, the seal is claimed to offer excellent protection for the shaft against accumulation of sand, dirt, rust, etc.

Years of experience in installing and repairing sealing systems of existing brands inspired Kooiman to develop a sealing system themselves. The aft seal is provided with an integrated rope guard, resulting in a very short installation length. This rope guard in fact forms the housing of the outer seals. The space between the rope guard and the fixed part of the housing on the stern tube, is filled with grease. With this grease-buffer and the extra outer seals, Kooiman claims that compared to existing seals in the market, lubricant spills are almost completely avoided and the propeller shaft will not come into contact with (salt) water. Also the seal is said to be able to absorb thermal axial and radial expansion of the shaft. In addition, the greasing connection at the top and bottom of the aft seal allows measuring the clearance using a poker gauge.

Kooiman’s new type approved seals are suitable for stern tubes with a diameter of 70 – 300mm.