WÄRTSILÄ OYJ 
By Wärtsilä Corporation, Trade press release, 4 March 2014 at 9.30 am EET
Wärtsilä, the marine industry's leading solutions and services provider and a pioneer in environmentally sustainable sealing solutions, announces that its Airguard™ and Oceanguard™ propeller shaft sealing systems can continue to utilise mineral oil since they meet the guidelines set out in the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2013 revised Vessel General Permit. The guidelines came into force in December 2013 and the position of the Environmental Protection Agency was published in a webinar organised by the EPA on 14 February 2014.
This means that the Airguard™ and Oceanguard™ seals meet the defined regulatory prerequisites and that owners and operators of commercial vessels of over 79ft (24 metres), sailing within US waters with either of these Wärtsilä systems installed, are not required to change to an Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant (EAL).
With the Wärtsilä Airguard™ and Oceanguard™ propeller shaft sealing systems there is no oil-to-sea interface. An air chamber or separation space within the seal captures any water or oil leakage, which is then transferred to inboard tanks for monitoring and further treatment. This completely eliminates oil drips or leakage into the sea. The EPA requires these designs to be functioning normally, which can be assured by proper operation and maintenance according to Wärtsilä's guidelines. In case of system failure, both systems also prevent any reasonable possibility of oil leakage, which is the second criterion for the continued use of mineral oils.
Wärtsilä offers customers a full range of solutions that promote environmental sustainability. Its portfolio of seal solutions ranges from Bio Seal Rings to the most advanced environmental seals on the market. The Airguard™ and Oceanguard™ propeller shaft sealing systems have a long, proven, and successful operational track record. Upgrade and retrofit options are also available.
Most commercial stern tubes are of the oil lubricated type and require a robust and reliable sealing solution. Wärtsilä has many years of experience in developing the technologies behind its range of oil lubricated sealing products, which includes both face and lip seal variants to deal with a wide variety of operating profiles. The systems are designed to withstand abrasive waters and are compliant with all anti-pollution requirements.
Wärtsilä Services
Wärtsilä is a global supplier of a full range of products, solutions and services for the marine industry. This capability is backed by the industry's most complete network of service and repair facilities with operations in more than 160 locations in some 70 countries. The company's Services & Support Business has the broadest offering in the industry. It ranges from basic support, installation and commissioning, performance optimization, upgrades, conversions and environmental solutions to service projects and agreements focusing on overall equipment performance and asset management.
Read more about Wärtsilä Seals and Bearings
For further information please contact:
Mr Henrik Eklund
General Manager, Seals and Bearings
Wärtsilä Japan Ltd
Tel. +81 351598744
henrik.eklund@wartsila.com
Ms Anna-Leena Pohjanpalo
Media Officer
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel. +358 10 709 5627
anna-leena.pohjanpalo@wartsila.com
Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers.
In 2013, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 4.7 billion with approximately 18,700 employees. The company has operations in more than 200 locations in nearly 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.
www.wartsila.com
Wärtsilä Newsroom
|
distributed by
|
