Marine & Offshore Slewing Bearing Project Case | LTZC Bearing Manufacturer

The demand for slewing bearings in the marine engineering and shipbuilding industries

In offshore engineering platforms, offshore wind turbine foundations, and ship propulsion systems, operating conditions involving extreme sea states, vibration and shock, corrosive environments, and high-load rotational requirements are commonplace. In these systems, slewing ring bearings often bear the responsibility of supporting the rotation of platforms, decks, and propellers. Because the offshore engineering and shipbuilding industries place particular emphasis on structural lifespan, maintenance cycles, reliability, and corrosion resistance, the requirements for bearings extend beyond high load-bearing capacity and high-strength structures to include corrosion resistance, rotational accuracy, and ease of maintenance.

Typical applications include: 

 platform turntables

 ship propeller supports

deck equipment 

 offshore wind turbine 

2. Application Challenges: Key Requirements for Slewing Bearings in Marine Environments 

slewing bearings face the following challenges:

High Loads + Large Overturning Moments: Ship propellers and offshore platform turntable support surfaces typically bear a three-dimensional combination of axial, radial, and overturning moment loads. Slewing bearings must possess strong load-bearing capacity and resistance to deformation.

Harsh Environments: Seawater corrosion, salt spray, strong vibrations and shocks, residual stress from steel structure welding, and platform structural deformation all pose severe challenges to bearing life.

Rotational Accuracy and Long-Term Reliability: In propellers, yaw, eccentricity, or cracks in the slewing structure can affect propulsion efficiency, noise, and equipment lifespan. The high maintenance costs of marine and offshore equipment necessitate bearings that are long-term maintenance-free or low-maintenance.

Customized Structural Design: The dimensions, mounting holes, sealing systems, and lubrication systems of each ship and offshore platform may vary, requiring bearing manufacturers to provide customized solutions.

High difficulty in inspection and replacement: At sea or in the engine room of a ship, the maintenance environment is limited, and the bearing design needs to take into account quick replacement, easy on-site inspection, and modular structure.

Custom slewing bearing sample display

Product Model: 2403 Slewing Bearing

Applications: This slewing bearing is mainly used in the rotating structures of ship deck equipment or small ship propeller supports, supporting the rotating parts of ship steering devices, bow rotating platforms, or deck cranes.

Bearing Structure: Adopts a three-row ball structure, annular raceway structure, with positioning holes, sealing grooves, and multiple lubrication interfaces. Excellent raceway precision and optimal matching between rolling elements and cage.

Product Model: 4454 Marine Thruster Slewing Bearing

Application: This slewing bearing is specifically designed for rotating components in marine propulsion systems, such as variable pitch thrusters or rudder thrusters, bearing propulsion force, torque transmission, and structural rotation.

Bearing Structure: Employs a crossed roller bearing structure with an internal gear drive and heavy-duty design, featuring specially reinforced tooth roots and raceways.

Customer Benefits and Project Value

By adopting the above-mentioned slewing bearing solution, customers of offshore platforms and marine propulsion systems can obtain the following benefits:

Improved System Reliability and Lifespan: High-load slewing bearings and corrosion-resistant structures reduce downtime for maintenance, extending equipment lifespan.

Optimized Structural Footprint and Maintenance Costs: The compact bearing structure and easy installation reduce support structure space, resulting in less footprint and lower overall structural costs.

Enhanced Rotational Accuracy and Operational Stability: High-precision raceways and preload control ensure smoother rotation of the turntable or propeller, with less vibration and lower noise.

Adaptability to Extreme Marine Environments: Materials and sealing systems are specifically designed for salt spray, high humidity, and vibration environments, suitable for long-term operation in offshore and marine applications.

Customized Services Reduce Risk: LTZC provides end-to-end services from design, manufacturing, testing, installation guidance, and maintenance support, reducing customer project risks.

LTZC's Advantages

As the bearing supplier in this project case, LTZC Bearing possesses significant advantages that make it a key consideration for clients in the offshore and marine engineering industries:

Experience in Manufacturing Large-Size Slewing Bearings: Established in 1992, LTZC specializes in the R&D, production, and sales of large slewing bearings, thin-walled bearings, gear rings, and more.

Comprehensive Product Range and Wide Specification Coverage: LTZC's product range covers standard and non-standard slewing bearings, with diameters reaching several meters, suitable for heavy-duty offshore structures.

Offshore/Marine Industry Certifications: With experience in obtaining certifications from classification societies such as ABS, RS, and BV, LTZC has the capability to supply slewing bearings to the marine and offshore engineering sectors.

Strong Custom Design Capabilities: From load calculations, material selection, heat treatment, sealing and lubrication systems, gear drive interfaces, to on-site installation guidance, LTZC provides a "one-stop" service solution.

Advanced production equipment and precision control: Equipped with large vertical lathes, grinding machines, quenching equipment, gear processing equipment, etc., ensuring that key indicators such as raceways, gear machining, and coaxiality consistently meet standards.

Global export and widespread customer recognition: Products are exported to countries such as the United States, Italy, India, and Russia, and enjoy a high reputation within the industry.