Stern tube bush restored without component replacement
Tight dimensional tolerances were achieved for immediate installation
Fast-track execution minimizing vessel downtime
Project Snapshot
The MV CANARY, a 180,000 DWT and 293-meter LBP bulk carrier operated by Navios Maritime Partners, required urgent reconditioning of her stern tube bush due to severe wear of the white metal lining.
KIMI undertook the complete restoration of the bush, measuring 1,510 mm in length and 780 mm in diameter, under a strict dry-docking schedule. The project was successfully executed within the required timeframe under stringent quality control procedures, and the component proved fully operational during sea trials.
Challenge
The project demanded high-precision restoration of a large-scale stern tube bush under extremely tight delivery deadlines directly affecting the vessel’s operational schedule.
One of the major technical challenges was achieving uniform white metal deposition and strong metallurgical bonding while maintaining dimensional tolerances below 0.03 mm across the entire component.
Due to the component’s dimensions and critical operational role, all reconditioning procedures had to be executed under strictly controlled conditions to prevent distortion, bonding defects, and dimensional deviations, while ensuring full compliance with classification society requirements.
Complex Manufacturing & Engineering Challenges
Large stern tube bush: L 1,510 mm × Ø780 mm
5 days turnaround timeschedule
Tight manufacturing tolerances ≤ 0.03mm
Critical requirement for perfect bonding of white metal layer
Class supervision and approval
Massive Stern Tube White Metal Casting Process
INITIAL INSPECTION & DIMENSIONAL VERIFICATION
Detailed inspection for assessment of the appropriate repair shame.
REMOVAL OF DAMAGED WHITE METAL
Machining of the worn white metal lining and bush shell preparation for rebabbitting.
WHITE METAL REBABBITTING
Centrifugal casting using in-house equipment for control thermal conditions and white metal deposition.
PRECISION CNC MACHINING
High-precision CNC machining of the inner surface and grooves to restore surface profile, and tolerances.
FINAL QUALITY CONTROL
Final ultrasonic inspection by KIMI PCN Level II personnel to verify compliance with classification society requirements.
INSTALLATION & APPROVAL
Upon installation the stern tube bush proved fully operational on sea trials and class approved.
Results
✔ Stern tube bush restored to OEM dimensions within <0.03 mm tolerances
✔ White metal bonding integrity fully achieved
✔ Project completed within the vessel’s dry-docking schedule
✔ Full compliance with classification society requirements
✔ Successful sea trials confirmed reliable performance
Why Rely on KIMI
KIMI delivers advanced engineering repair solutions for critical propulsion components, combining heavy-duty machining capability, precision restoration technologies, and certified quality control under demanding marine operational conditions.
Advanced CNC machining and rebabbitting techniques for high-precision restoration of critical propulsion components
Large-scale machining and restoration capabilities for heavy propulsion components under one workshop
Fast-track execution within strict dry-docking schedules
Strong metallurgical bonding of white metal and strict class-approved quality control procedures