Thordon strengthens presence for cleaner seas
(Posted on 24/10/18)
Thordon Bearings has signed sales and distribution agreements with St. Petersburg-based Industrial & Marine Projects (IMPRO) and Tallinn’s Marine Ecology Equipment (MEE), in a development that anticipates the introduction of more stringent pollution rules for European waterways.
The appointment of new distributors for Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia and Azerbaijan coincides with concerns that more should be done to reduce the impact of oil pollution in the ecologically sensitive Baltic Sea and Caspian Sea areas.
“While MARPOL Annex I and Annex IV of the Helsinki Convention prohibit the discharge of oil or oily mixtures into the Baltic Sea, the vast majority of vessels continue to operate oil-lubricated propeller shaft bearings which, as we know, continually leak oil into the sea,” said Thordon’s Regional Manager in Europe, George Morrison.
“Given that the prohibition applies not only to discharges from cargo tanks but also to discharges from machinery spaces, we anticipate the introduction of European regulations similar in scope to the EPA’s Vessel General Permit rule in the US. We expect the Baltic States, in particular, to be the first to clampdown on this source of oil pollution.”
Morrison added that the expansion of Thordon’s European sales and distribution network with the appointment of IMPRO and MEE aims to help “facilitate shipowners’ move towards a safer, more cost effective bearing solution”, while ensuring they remain environmentally compliant.
Oleg Mrachkovskiy, Managing Director, Marine Ecology Equipment, said: “We are delighted that we can add Thordon’s range of products to our portfolio. As the market leader in water-lubricated and grease-free bearings, Thordon is well placed to help shipowners maintain the integrity of the ship-to-sea interface with a water-based shaft bearing solution.”
Vladimir Potapov, Special Projects Director, IMPRO, said: “There is a real trend towards more environmentally-acceptable solutions capable of providing shipowners with a return on investment. With ecological-related problems now affecting many of the world’s seas, particularly the Baltic Sea, Caspian Sea, and the Northern Sea Route, a water lubricated propeller solution is just one way that shipowners can help reduce shipping’s impact.”
Potapov added: “As Thordon’s new sales and distribution representative in Russia and Azerbaijan, we strive to maintain the company’s existing client base and create new business opportunities. The agreement supports our current business portfolio and will help boost both companies' operations in these regions.”
With a 36-strong sales support and engineering division working in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Vladivostok and Baku, IMPRO will represent Thordon Bearings across Russia and Azerbaijan.
Marine Ecology Equipment, which specialises in the supply of ecologically safe equipment and solutions, will serve Thordon’s marine and industrial divisions in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.
Thordon has been quick to optimise its local presence in Europe with an expanded network of sales and engineering professionals to help facilitate new and existing requirements. Last month, the Canada-headquartered company strengthened its presence in southern Europe and North Africa with the appointment of Spain’s Echetalde, which now represents Thordon in Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco.
Latest News
FuelEU Maritime compliance strategy is commercial priority, says OceanScore
(Posted on 28/04/25)FuelEU Maritime represents a strategic headache for shipping companies on the same level as its technical... Read more
Wärtsilä upgrade to deliver emissions savings for Ulusoy bulk carriers
(Posted on 22/04/25)Technology group Wärtsilä will upgrade the Wärtsilä RT-flex main engines... Read more
Steelpaint secures major order for application on 39 bulk vessels
(Posted on 22/04/25)German coatings firm Steelpaint GmbH has secured a major order to supply its specialist Stelpant... Read more
BAR Technologies' WindWings a practical solution
(Posted on 15/04/25)In the wake of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee... Read more
Orderbook for all dry-bulk vessel classes falls by 26% Y-o-Y in Q1
(Posted on 15/04/25)Global economic uncertainty and a cooling of the market has seen newbuild orders for dry-bulk vessels... Read more
Alfa Laval expands its portfolio with NRG Marine acquisition
(Posted on 03/04/25)Alfa Laval has completed the acquisition of UK-based NRG Marine, a leading provider of ultrasonic anti... Read more
MBF and ZESTA MoU to accelerate zero-emission shipping
(Posted on 03/04/25)In a landmark moment for the global maritime industry, the Maritime Battery Forum (MBF) and the Zero... Read more
Bruks Siwertell Group announces leadership transition
(Posted on 31/03/25)Bruks Siwertell Group has announced a leadership transition as Peter Jonsson steps down as CEO after... Read more
ClassNK issues AiP for OceanWings Rigid Windsail Type WAPS
(Posted on 31/03/25)ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a Rigid Windsail Type Wind-Assisted Propulsion... Read more
Seafarers welcome Elcome’s new pay-as-you-go high speed internet service
(Posted on 27/03/25)Elcome International’s new high-speed internet service, WELCOME, is revolutionising the way ship... Read more
