Page 84: of Marine News Magazine (August 2019)

83 85

MN100

Michael L. Lapeyrouse,

CEO/President

THE AMERICAN

EQUITY

UNDERWRITERS, INC.

The Case:

Nearly 1,300 waterfront employers trust the experts

THORDON BEARINGS INC.

at The American Equity Underwriters, Inc. with their longshore workers’ compensation needs. AEU has care- The Case: fully built services around loss control, underwriting, and Thordon has invested heavily in the inland waterway claims handling to directly address the unique challenges market, keeping two warehouses well stocked with tail- and intense regulation these waterfront employers face. shaft bearings, seals and rudder bearings to ensure quick delivery. The TG100 shaft seal has an emergency seal al-

The Company: lowing vessels to return safely to the nearest port if the

The American Equity Underwriters, Inc. is the program primary seal is ever damaged.

administrator of the American Longshore Mutual Associa- tion Ltd., a group self-insurance fund authorized by the The Company:

U.S. Department of Labor to provide USL&H coverage Thordon Bearings designs and manufactures a complete for the liabilities of its members under the United States range of journal bearing and seal systems for marine, clean

Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. AEU power generation, pump and other industrial markets. works with insurance brokers to provide USL&H coverage These products are built using Thordon proprietary non- to employers who are members of ALMA, including ship- metallic polymer materials that are lubricated with water builders, ship repairers, marine terminal operators, steve- eliminating oil or grease usage, meaning ZERO risk of pol- dores, marine contractors and other waterfront businesses. lution to rivers, lakes and oceans. Additionally, the ? rm

With a history rooted in maritime, AEU is keenly aware of manufactures water lubricated propeller shaft bearings, the challenges faced by waterfront employers and has care- grease-free rudder and tiller arm bearings, deck equipment fully built services and teams to directly meet those needs. bearings, shaft coatings and shaft seals for the global ma-

Members can rest assured their unique exposures are being rine market. Thordon practices a sustainable approach that managed by experts in longshore. Nearly 1,300 waterfront most companies cannot claim. These include striving to employers entrust AEU with their USL&H needs. provide products that last the life of the vessel or applica-

The American Equity Underwriters, as ALMA’s pro- tion, with no spare parts needed, and make a positive and gram administrator, provides underwriting, claims and sustainable contribution to the environment. Offering in- loss control, as well as value-added services that support house design, CAD and the proprietary Thordon Bearing these areas, to ALMA members. AEU’s member-centric Sizing Calculation Program to help correctly size bearings, approach to underwriting, claims and loss control, as well Thordon Bearings has an extensive distribution network of as value-added services that support these areas, combine more than 75 distributors in 100 countries to supply and to form an insurance program like no other – one that service the global customer base. gives members more control over their long-term success. RiverTough tailshaft bearings run in combination with In August 2019, AEU was named one of the Best Com- hard coated NCB ThorSleeves routinely outlast rubber panies to Work For in Alabama. Last year, 60.6% of AEU bearings by a factor of two or more in the most abrasive insureds had zero lost-time accidents, due in part to AEU’s operating water conditions. Longer wear life has consis- intense focus on safety at their facilities. The AEU Advan- tently been con? rmed by owners of workboats, pushboats tage program, designed for small to mid-sized waterfront and tugs operating in the US inland waterways. Workboats employers, continues to expand. AEU provides loss control operating with RiverTough tailshaft bearings are more reli- and claims support to these employers that they would not able – they operate longer, require less maintenance with receive from large insurance carriers. www.amequity.com fewer drydockings. https://thordonbearings.com/

August 2019

MN 84