
DNV GL has noticed an increase in the number of reported incidents involving aft propeller shaft bearing damage. With this in mind, they have issued technical advice with their opinion on the contributing factors to this damage. Much of the damage in the reported cases has developed within a short period of time, typically a few minutes to an hour.
Typical damages observed and their consequences
The observed trend is not specific to a vessel type – rather, it reflects operation of the affected vessels in areas with limitations on the draft of the vessel or loading conditions, without suitable precautionary measures to limit the RPM/power of the engine.