This month, RKB assisted an Italian customer with the installation of grease-lubricated SRB bearings, tapered bore, reduced-clearance types with inner ring dimensions of 950 mm and 710 mm.

The project was initially developed by a competing premium-brand manufacturer. However, RKB was later introduced as a viable alternative.

The bearing design mirrors an open SRB but uses grease instead of oil bath lubrication. This eliminates the need for 2,500 kg of lubricant per tank, a significant saving, given that the fin stabilizer system, where the bearings are installed, uses one tank per fin.

This design aligns with environmental and sustainability objectives. By avoiding oil bath systems, the solution reduces ecological risk in the event of a leak and simplifies waste handling.

The assembly was completed successfully without complications, and RKB has gained additional market share in the cruise ship sector as a result. Area Manager Andrea Gozzini