Thordon COMPAC Finds Success in FSV

To ensure that fish populations could be studied effectively, Oscar Dyson, a new Fisheries Survey Vessel (FSV) built for the NOAA was recently delivered featuring many advanced noise suppression technologies, including Thordon COMPAC Water Lubricated Propeller Shaft Bearings.

Built by VT Halter Marine Oscar Dyson is designed to play a vital role in maintaining the health of the northern Pacific fishing industry. The ship will use a variety of techniques — including hydroaccoustic surveying — to collect the essential data required to establish accurate quotas. A ship measuring 210 x 49 x 28 ft. (64 x 15 x 8.5m) would normally generate enough background noise to hinder surveying ops.

Therefore, achieving a low acoustic signature was a critical design parameter right from the start. According to the vessel specifications, the stern tube bearing needed to be "of environmentally safe and acoustically inefficient materials." In addition to being acoustically stealthy, Oscar Dyson is also equipped with DPS. The DP coordinates the thrusters and main shaft to effect the station keeping duty and hold the vessel in one position. Starts, stops and low shaft speeds are necessary to maintain the vessel at a precise geographical coordinate.

When a ship operates in this manner, shaft squeal is the noise generated when the shaft is operated at slow speeds and is literally trying to stick to the bearing. Noise will radiate from the vessel into the water. COMPAC's inherent self-lubricating properties and hydrodynamic design are designed to keeps breakaway friction low which helps to eliminate stick slip effects.

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Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 33, May 2004

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.