Stern Tube Rebabbiting

Bearing Repairs by Centrifugal Casting or Laser Cladding

With over 40 years of expertise, KIMI is a recognized leader in stern tube rebabbitting and white-metal bearing repair by laser cladding and centrifugal casting for marine propulsion systems.

Our advanced stern-tube rebabbitting process restores worn bearings by replacing the worn anti-friction surface layer with high-grade bearing material, applied through laser cladding or centrifugal casting. This approach ensures reliable, cost-effective, and class-approved stern tube bearing solutions, reducing downtime and extending service life across all vessel types.

Damaged stern tube bush received for rebabbitting at KIMI Marine Shaft Center
Stern tube bush as received at KIMI Marine Shaft Center for rebabbitting and restoration to return in service.
Machining removal of worn anti-friction layer from marine bearing at KIMI
Machining removal of worn anti-friction layer prior to rebabbitting.
Centrifugal casting of white metal on stern tube bush at KIMI marine shaft center
Centrifugal casting of white metal on stern tube bush through controlled rotation speed and temperature systems, ensuring strong metallurgical bonding.
Final machining of stern tube bush after rebabbitting at KIMI Marine Shaft Center
Final machining of stern tube bush after rebabbitting at KIMI Marine Shaft Center, restoring OEM design requirements and surface finish.
Rebabbitted stern tube bush ready for installation at KIMI Marine Shaft Center
Rebabbitted stern tube bush ready for seamless installation following final machining and quality control procedures.
DRAG
Damaged stern tube bush received for rebabbitting at KIMI Marine Shaft Center
Machining removal of worn anti-friction layer from marine bearing at KIMI
Centrifugal casting of white metal on stern tube bush at KIMI marine shaft center
Final machining of stern tube bush after rebabbitting at KIMI Marine Shaft Center
Rebabbitted stern tube bush ready for installation at KIMI Marine Shaft Center

Customer benefits

<p><strong>Reduced Vessel Downtime</strong></p>

Reduced Vessel Downtime

<p><strong>Cost-Effective Bearing Rebabbitting</strong></p>

Cost-Effective Bearing Rebabbitting

<p><strong>OEM – level Quality &</strong></p> <p><strong>Enhanced Durability</strong></p>

OEM – level Quality &

Enhanced Durability

Stern Tube Rebabbitting Process

01

WHITE METAL REMOVAL & PREPARATION

Existing material is removed, and the bearing shell is prepared for optimal bonding

02

WHITE METAL DEPOSITION

Material is applied using controlled parameters via laser cladding or centrifugal casting

03

CONTROLLED COOLING & SOLIDIFICATION

Controlled cooling ensures uniform density and structural integrity

04

CNC MACHINING

Dimensions and concentricity are restored to meet OEM tolerances

05

SURFACE FINISHING

Surface is optimized to improve lubrication and reduce friction

06

TESTING & QUALITY CONTROL

PCN Level II verification ensures dimensional, bonding and hardness integrity through NDT procedures

07

CLASS INSPECTION & CERTIFICATION

Inspection and reporting ensure compliance with IACS classification requirements

08

DELIVERY & INSTALLATION READINESS

Components are delivered ready for installation, ensuring operational reliability

Read the Most Frequently Asked Questions

Why Rely on KIMI

We Restore, Rebabbitt and Precisely Machine Bearings to As-New Condition
100
%

Re-babbiting of Stern Tube, Intermediate Bearings, Thrust Pads

2-3
days

Typical Turnaround Time

100
%

In-House Manufacturing Capability &

White Metal Deposition Via Laser Cladding

Ask For Technical Advice

Beyond Conventional Marine Engine Repairs

We Restore What Others Replace
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Case Studies

FAQs

The duration depends on the bearing size, condition, inspection findings, and classification society approval requirements. KIMI has developed the capability to complete stern tube bearing rebabbitting within 3 days, including machining, inspection, and testing.

This rapid turnaround is achieved through optimized processes and specialized equipment, ensuring minimal vessel downtime while maintaining full compliance with classification society standards.

Yes. If required, on-site machining and boring of bearing pockets can be carried out directly onboard or at the shipyard. Our portable machining solutions allow accurate restoration of housing dimensions and alignment without removing large structures, helping reduce repair time and minimizing vessel downtime.

Yes. KIMI has successfully completed and obtained approval for numerous stern tube bearing repair and rebabbitting projects under major classification societies, including project approvals, inspection procedures, material certifications, and final acceptance requirements for marine vessels worldwide.

KIMI has developed and offers two advanced rebabbitting methods: centrifugal casting and laser cladding, selected based on the specific application and vessel requirements.

  • Centrifugal casting ensures excellent metallurgical bonding and uniform white metal distribution, making it ideal for large marine bearings and stern tube applications.
  • Laser cladding is an advanced repair solution that allows precise material application with minimal heat input, reducing distortion and improving wear resistance for critical components.

Both methods are carried out in accordance with classification society requirements, ensuring high quality, reliability, and long service life.