Requirements for

Sterntubeless Vessels with Water Lubricated

Bearings

June 2024
REQUIREMENTS FOR

STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED

BEARINGS
JUNE 2024

American Bureau of Shipping

Incorporated by Act of Legislature of
the State of New York 1862

© 2024 American Bureau of Shipping. All rights reserved.

ABS Plaza
1701 City Plaza Drive
Spring, TX 77389 USA
Foreword
This document has been developed to address the requirements for the design of the aftmost part of the
vessel’s shaftline, specifically for an open-loop, water lubricated bearing type with a stern inspection
chamber providing access for inspection and bearing replacement without the need to remove the tail shaft.
The STBLess-W Notation may be assigned upon verification of compliance with all the requirements in
this document to indicate the specific characteristics of the vessel design,

Subject to a satisfactory installation and operational record, the shaft may not require disassembly, or
removal for inspection, under the arrangements described in this document.

The main aspects denoting compliance with this Notation from the standard Rule application are:

i) The existence of a stern inspection chamber aft of the vessel’s engine room, adequately sized to
allow direct access for survey and examination.
ii) The installation of a split type of aftmost water-lubricated bearing and appropriate seal.
iii) The installation of a seawater cooling/conditioning system for lubricant sea-water supply,
including appropriate redundancy.
iv) Shaft alignment verification at more than one service condition including conditions of maximum
bearing wear for the water lubricated bearing.
v) Compliance with the applicable requirements of the Guide for Enhanced Shaft Alignment (ESA
Guide).
vi) Compliance with the requirements of the Class Notation TCM-W, as per 4-3-2/15 of the Rules for
Building and Classing Marine Vessels (Marine Vessel Rules).

The Requirements document is to be used in conjunction with other applicable Rules, Guides and
Requirements, published by ABS.

This document becomes effective on the first day of the month of publication.

Users are advised to periodically check the ABS website www.eagle.org to verify that this version of this
document is the most current.

We welcome your feedback. Comments or suggestions can be sent electronically by email to

[email protected]

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 ii
REQUIREMENTS FOR

STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED

BEARINGS

CONTENTS

SECTION 1 General..................................................................................................5
1 Introduction..................................................................................... 5
1.1 STBLess-W Notation......................................................... 5
2 Application...................................................................................... 6
2.1 General.............................................................................. 6
3 Documentation................................................................................7
3.1 Documentation to be Submitted for the STBLess-W
Notation............................................................................. 7
4 Definitions....................................................................................... 9
4.1 Alignment Optimization......................................................9
4.2 Axial Seal...........................................................................9
4.3 Bearing Condition Monitoring System............................. 10
4.4 Bearing Inspection........................................................... 10
4.5 Bearing Replacement Loading Condition........................ 10
4.6 Cooling Water Supply and Conditioning system..............10
4.7 Equivalent Strength Design............................................. 10
4.8 Outboard Inflatable Axial Seal......................................... 10
4.9 Shaft Alignment................................................................11
4.10 Stern Inspection Chamber............................................... 11
4.11 Water Lubricated Bearings...............................................11

FIGURE 1 3D View of the Sterntubeless Vessels Design

Arrangement ......................................................................... 6
FIGURE 2 Bearing Key removal tools .................................................... 7
FIGURE 3 Water Lubricated Face Type Seal .......................................10
FIGURE 4 Inflatable axial seal ..............................................................11

SECTION 2 Design Requirements........................................................................ 12

1 Objective.......................................................................................12
1.1 Goals............................................................................... 12
1.2 Functional Requirements.................................................12

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 iii
 1.3 Compliance......................................................................13
2 Requirements for the Stern Inspection Chamber......................... 13
2.1 Purpose........................................................................... 13
2.2 Stern Inspection Chamber Structural Stiffness................14
2.3 Stern Inspection Chamber Requirements........................15

FIGURE 1 3D View of the Stern Inspection Chamber .......................... 13

FIGURE 2 Illustration of means of access ............................................14
FIGURE 3 Comparison between the two desings in a typical
container vessel .................................................................. 15

SECTION 3 Survey Requirements........................................................................ 17

1 Objective.......................................................................................17
2 Initial Survey................................................................................. 17
2.1 Bearing Replacement Procedure.....................................17
3 Surveys after Construction........................................................... 17

APPENDIX 1 Visual Examples of a Stern Inspection Chamber............................19

FIGURE 1 3D View of the Stern Inspection Chamber .......................... 19
FIGURE 2 3D View of the Stern Inspection Chamber looking at the
Engine Room Bulkhead ...................................................... 20
FIGURE 3 3D View inside the Stern Inspection Chamber.....................20
FIGURE 4 3D View of the Stern Inspection Chamber .......................... 21
FIGURE 5 Water-Lubricated bearing assembly ................................... 21

APPENDIX 2 Example of Vessel Forward Ballasting for Conventional Shaft

Alignment Purposes.......................................................................... 22
FIGURE 1 Forward Ballasting of a vessel for shafting repairs ............. 22

APPENDIX 3 References..........................................................................................23

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 iv
 SECTION 1
General

1 Introduction

1.1 STBLess-W Notation

The notation STBLess-W is optional, however, the requirements contained in this document are
mandatory for vessels with sterntubeless arrangements described here.

This document has been developed to address the requirements for the design arrangement of the aft part
of a vessel, where the aftmost bearing of the vessel’s shaftline is water lubricated, there is no sterntube
cylinder, or a sterntube oil cooling tank and a dry stern inspection chamber is formed in the same area,
hereby called a “stern inspection chamber”. This document provides criteria for additional calculation
requirements, such as design optimization for shaft alignment, as well as more detailed requirements
regarding design characteristics, such as the design of a stern inspection chamber and an appropriate
cooling sea-water supply and conditioning system.

Subject to verification of satisfactory operational records and surveys required for maintaining the TCM-W
notation, as per 7-9-20/7 of the ABS Rules for Survey After Construction (Part 7), the vessels assigned
with STBLess-W Notation, the tailshaft survey interval required by 7-2-1/13.1.3 may be extended under
the arrangements described in this document.

1.1.1 Objective
The goals and functional requirements for the topics covered in this document are included in
Section 2.

1.1.2 General Requirements

The design concept for vessels with the STBLess-W notation requires that a stern inspection
chamber (see 1/Figure 1) is provided aft of the vessel’s engine room bulkhead adequately sized for
a human to enter and carry out maintenance or repairs (as per 2/2.3). Additionally, drawings and
supporting calculations submitted are to provide evidence that the aftmost propeller shaft bearing
can be inspected and replaced from within the stern inspection chamber without the removal of the
vessel’s propeller or shaftline components.

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 5
Section 1 General 1

FIGURE 1
3D View of the Sterntubeless Vessels Design Arrangement

1.1.3 ESA Notation

Compliance with the applicable sections of the Guide for Enhanced Shaft Alignment (ESA Guide)
and pertinent Class Notation ESA, is a requirement for obtaining the STBLess-W Notation.
Compliance with the applicable requirements of the ESA Guide mitigates:

i) the risk of accelerated wear-down due to overloading of the aftmost bearing, or due to
misalignment is mitigated, through shaft alignment bearing load and slope optimization.
ii) the possibility of whirling vibration resonance due to the potentially increased bearing
span between the intermediate bearing and the aftmost bearing.
1.1.4 TCM-W Notation
Compliance with 4-3-2/15 of the Marine Vessel Rules for opened loop water lubricated propeller
shaft bearing system and pertinent Class Notation TCM-W is a requirement for obtaining the
STBLess-W Notation.

2 Application

2.1 General
2.1.1 Notation Assignment
The Notation STBLess-W can be assigned to a vessel incorporating the design features and
characteristics in compliance with the requirements of this document.

2.1.2 Other
The Class Notation STBLess-W can be assigned to twin-screw vessels.

The Class Notation STBLess-W cannot be assigned to:

● Vessels designed with azimuthal thrusters, or nonconventional shaft lines intended for main
propulsion, or as otherwise deemed incompatible for the application of this design by ABS.
Consideration will be given to vessels and offshore units with thrusters that may be
compatible with the requirements of this notation subject to ABS technical assessment and
approval.
● Vessels whose size or design is such that the existence of a stern inspection chamber is not
practical.

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 6
Section 1 General 1

● Shafting arrangements that have a forward propeller shaft bearing, because this necessitates
the inclusion of a sterntube casting.
● Vessels with strut bearing arrangement(s).
2.1.3 Applicability Requirements
Class Notation STBLess-W may be assigned to vessels designed with open-loop; water
lubricated propeller shaft bearings that comply with the following:

i) The existence of a dry inspection chamber aft of the vessel’s engine room, with adequate
space for inspection, hereby called “stern inspection chamber”.
ii) The installation of the aftmost tail shaft water-lubricated bearing with appropriate inboard
seal including a bulkhead seal in way of the aft engine room bulkhead shaft penetration.
iii) The installation of a seawater cooling system with conditioning/filtering capability for
lubricant sea-water supply, including redundancy, such as the installation of two units
allowing one unit to operation while the other is on standby mode.
iv) A split type bearing with keyset, which allows bearing replacement without shaft
removal. (see 1/Figure 2).
v) Shaft alignment calculation verification at more than one service condition including
conditions of maximum bearing wear for the water lubricated bearing.
vi) Compliance with all the applicable requirements of the ESA Guide.
vii) Compliance with all the requirements of the Class Notation TCM-W, as per 4-3-2/15 of
the Marine Vessel Rules.

FIGURE 2
Bearing Key removal tools

3 Documentation
The following plans or information are to be submitted:

R: Documents to be reviewed

I: Documentation for information and verification for consistency with related review.

3.1 Documentation to be Submitted for the STBLess-W Notation

3.1.1 Drawings
i) All drawings as required in Subsection 1/5 of the ESA Guide (R),

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 7
Section 1 General 1

ii) All drawings as required as per 4-3-2/1.5, 4-3-2/3.5 and 4-3-2/7.3 of the Marine Vessel
Rules (R),
iii) Aftmost seal drawings and drawings of inflatable aftmost outboard seal (See 1/4.8), if
provided (R),
iv) Stern inspection chamber arrangement drawing, showing the chamber meets the
requirements of Section 3 (R),
v) Tailshaft lifting arrangement drawing, outlining the use and position of either hydraulic
jacks from within the stern inspection chamber, or lifting devices mounted to appendages
external to the vessel’s hull (I).
3.1.2 Data (R)
i) All data as required in Subsection 1/5 of the ESA Guide.
ii) All data as required as per 4-3-2/7 of the Marine Vessel Rules.
3.1.3 Calculations (R):
i) All calculations required for compliance with the ESA Guide,
ii) Shaft alignment calculations analyzed for both initial conditions and conditions of
manufacturer’s maximum allowable wear down limits for compliance with Class
Notation TCM-W,
iii) Details of shaft alignment and torsional, lateral, and axial vibration calculations as
required by the 4-3-2/7 of the Marine Vessel Rules,

a) Shaft Alignment parametric study for a series of water lubricated bearing wear-
down values. The calculations are to show that all bearing reaction loads are
within acceptable limits, for each given reduction in the water lubricated
bearing’s thickness, up to a maximum value of wear-down prescribed by the
bearing manufacturer,
b) Shaft alignment calculations are to include designated jack support locations and
tailshaft lift-off clearance values if jack-up arrangements from inside the stern
inspection chamber are required to verify complete shaft lifting within the
aftmost bearing clearance and shaft is not resting on the bearing lower half. Refer
also to 1/3.1.1(v).

Commentary:

Attention is to be given to the review of torsional vibration calculations, especially for shafts shorter in
length than in the equivalent conventional (no aft inspection chamber) design. Where compliance with
4-3-2/7 of the Marine Vessel Rules is not achieved, the installation of a torsional vibration damper may
be necessary as per 4-3-2/7.5.7 of the Marine Vessel Rules.

End of Commentary

3.1.4 Materials
i) Material specifications including mechanical and chemical properties of the shafts and
bearings (I),
ii) Material strength and welding properties for stiffeners and other hull girder members
present in the stern inspection chamber area that are not of the same properties as the rest
of the vessel’s structure (I).
3.1.5 Procedures to be Submitted for Review
i) Details of tailshaft lifting procedures, recording the lifting methods used, as well as the
force, or pressure required to lift the tailshaft to replace the aft-most bearing (I),
ii) Details of aftmost bearing replacement procedures and the aftmost seal replacement
procedures (I),

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 8
Section 1 General 1

iii) Details of tailshaft, seal and bearing inspection procedure (e.g. bearing weardown
measurement, use of borescope, etc.) as per the applicable requirements for TCM-W
under 4-3-2/15 of the Marine Vessel Rules (I),
iv) Details of the inspection chamber access and work (replacement or inspection) procedure,
highlighting the safety aspects for the persons involved (lighting, ventilation,
communication with the engine room, emergency evacuation and accident provisions
etc.) (I),
v) Details of the operation of the water-conditioning machinery units (machinery skids),
including failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA, or equivalent) (I).
3.1.6 Other Calculations
ABS may require additional calculations, drawings, or documentation, for review as deemed
necessary.

ABS may require justification of the theoretical basis of any simplified approach utilized in
submitted analysis, as well as the origin and methods used to obtain any empirical data used.

4 Definitions

4.1 Alignment Optimization

Alignment optimization is a condition where a mathematically predicted set of bearing offsets produces a
satisfactory bearing load distribution for more than one alignment condition.

The shaft alignment optimization estimates the most possible uniform bearing load distribution for any
given vessel loading case. It will produce an optimum set of bearing offsets, which when applied in the dry
dock or at the light ship draft, will satisfy the bearing loading conditions in all service drafts of the vessel
(e.g. from ballast to the fully laden vessel).

Knowledge of the hull deflections envelope together with the required operating conditions (e.g. fully
loaded, hot dynamic, including propeller loads) allows the bearing offsets range to be defined within which
a bearing load distribution is found acceptable.

This set of bearing offsets is said to be optimal and the shaftline is said to be optimum for alignment
purposes, in accordance with the definition given to the alignment optimization.

4.2 Axial Seal

An axial lip seal with redundancy capability (e.g. a two or more) and low friction sealing ring (see 1/Figure
3).

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 9
Section 1 General 1

FIGURE 3
Water Lubricated Face Type Seal

4.3 Bearing Condition Monitoring System

The Bearing Condition Monitoring System (BCMS) allows for regular bearing wear measurements from
inside the vessel, monitoring the bearing clearance and detecting if the limits declared by the bearing
maker have been exceeded.

4.4 Bearing Inspection

Any process by which the condition of the aft-most water lubricated bearing may be visually inspected
without removal, by means of camera, or other scope, insertion along the longitudinal grooves.

4.5 Bearing Replacement Loading Condition

The combination of vessel draft and trim allows for the safe inspection and replacement of the shaftline’s
aft-most bearing and seal from within the stern inspection chamber. Ideally, the vessel’s propulsion shafts
are to be above the water during the bearing replacement, as illustrated in Appendix 2/Figure 1.

4.6 Cooling Water Supply and Conditioning system

All pumping, conditioning and piping systems associated with open-loop water lubricated systems as
described in 4-3-2/15 of the Marine Vessel Rules for the TCM-W notation, as well as any other
requirements imposed by the maker or supplier of the water lubricated bearing and accompanying system.

4.7 Equivalent Strength Design

Relevant analysis that supports that the design including material selection and structural component sizing
has equivalent strength as the vessel with a conventional cast sterntube arrangement.

4.8 Outboard Inflatable Axial Seal

An outboard axial seal fitted on the side of the propeller with the capability of being inflated remotely, for
the purpose of inspection and replacement of the inboard axial seal and aft-most water lubricated shaftline
bearing (see 1/Figure 4). The existence of such a seal removes the need for the shaftline to be above water
level for bearing replacement. The installation of this outboard seal at the aft of the aftmost tailshaft water
lubricated bearing can be installed for those vessel types that cannot be forward ballasted for bearing or
seal replacement or shaftline inspection purposes in the stern inspection chamber.

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 10
Section 1 General 1

FIGURE 4
Inflatable axial seal

4.9 Shaft Alignment

The configuration of the shafts and bearings relative to the centerlines of the bearings from the theoretical
straight-line condition to achieve an acceptable bearing load distribution and shaft-bearing misalignment
angles.

4.10 Stern Inspection Chamber

A stern inspection chamber, created within the space around the propeller shaft aft bearing/seal and aft of
the aft bulkhead of the engine room (See Appendix 1).

4.11 Water Lubricated Bearings

Bearings that support the propeller shaft and lubricated or cooled by water. These are typically made of
non-metallic homogeneous elastomeric polymer alloys.

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 11
 SECTION 2
Design Requirements

1 Objective

1.1 Goals
The shafting/stern arrangements covered in this document are to be designed, constructed, operated, and
maintained to:

Goal No. Goal

STRU 1 In the intact condition, have sufficient structural strength to withstand the environmental conditions,
loading conditions, and operational loads anticipated during the design life.

STAB 2 Have adequate subdivision and stability to provide survivability to damage or accidental conditions.

STAB 4 Detect accumulated liquids.

STAB 5 Be able to remove accumulated liquids to mitigate the effects of flooding.

AUTO 1 Perform its functions as intended and in a safe manner.

SAFE 2 Provide suitable and readily available illumination.

MGMT 5-1 Facilitate safe access, ease of inspection, survey, and maintenance of the vessel, machinery and
electrical systems.

The goals in the cross-referenced Rules and Guides are also to be met.

1.2 Functional Requirements

In order to achieve the above stated goals, the design, construction, installation and maintenance of the
vessel’s propulsion shafting are to be in accordance with the following functional requirements:

Functional Functional Requirements

Requirement No.

Structure (STRU)

STRU-FR1 Provide adequate hull support structure to the propulsion shafting to withstand operational and
environmental loads.

STRU-FR2 Means of inspection chamber access is to be designed to withstand the flooding condition of the
inspection chamber.

STRU-FR3 Provide means to protect stern inspection chamber from overpressure due to piping system damage
and bearing seal failure.

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 12
Section 2 Design Requirements 2

Functional Functional Requirements

Requirement No.

Stability (STAB)

STAB-FR1 Provide means to prevent inadvertent flooding of an internal space.

STAB-FR2 (AUTO) Provide means to control and monitor from manned control stations flooding of the stern inspection
chamber due to piping system damage and bearing seal failure.

Safey Management (MGMT)

MGMT-FR1 Watertight access opening is to be large enough to easily transport parts, tools, and injured
personnel.

Safey of Personal (SAFE)

SAFE-FR1 Provide sufficient lighting for inspection and maintenance.

(MGMT)

The Functional Requirements in the cross-referenced Rules and Guides are also to be met.

1.3 Compliance
A vessel is considered to comply with the goals and functional requirements within the scope of
Classification when the applicable prescriptive requirements are complied with or when an alternative
arrangement has been approved, refer to Part 1D, Chapter 2.

2 Requirements for the Stern Inspection Chamber

2.1 Purpose
A stern inspection chamber (see 2/Figure 1 and 2/Figure 2) allows access to the aft-most bearing of the
shafting system from the aft of the engine room. This stern inspection chamber is to comply with the
pertinent rule requirements addressed in the Marine Vessel Rules.

FIGURE 1
3D View of the Stern Inspection Chamber

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 13
Section 2 Design Requirements 2

FIGURE 2
Illustration of means of access

2.2 Stern Inspection Chamber Structural Stiffness

In accordance with 3-2-4 of the Marine Vessel Rules, specific requirements apply to double bottom sizing
including the requirements for center and side girders, brackets, tank-end floors, and floor stiffeners. In
addition, localized hull strength calculations are to be carried out, as applicable, to verify that the local
stiffness is satisfactory, according to the definition of Equivalent Strength Design in Subsection 1/4, such
as comparing:

i) A conventional stern tube design that is compliant with the requirements in the Marine Vessel
Rules,
ii) A design that incorporates the stern inspection chamber arrangement as provided in this document.

With regard to the section modulus of floors between the edge of the cutout for the inspection chamber and
the side shell is to be equal to, or greater than the section modulus of a conventional design that
incorporates a sterntube (see 2/Figure 3). Floors are to be fitted at each frame space in the aft peak and
carried to a height at least above the stern inspection chamber.

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 14
Section 2 Design Requirements 2

FIGURE 3
Comparison between the two desings in a typical container vessel

For designs that are deemed unusual, or beyond the usual level of complexity, a Finite Element Analysis
(FEA) may be carried out in this area, complementing the hull strength calculations, to verify that the local
vessel hull strength is not affected.

The resulting stiffness of the aft-most bearing’s foundation is to be considered for the shaft alignment
calculations.

2.3 Stern Inspection Chamber Requirements

The following requirements for the arrangement of the stern inspection chamber as well as the adjacent
engine room spaces are to be satisfied:

i) The access to the stern inspection chamber is to be Normally Closed. The chamber is to be
accessed only for bearing inspection and replacement. Means of access between the engine room
and the stern inspection chamber are to be watertight,
ii) The scantlings for the means of access to the inspection chamber are to be sized and designed
considering the maximum head pressure from the flooded adjacent chamber, or the maximum
hydrostatic pressure considering the maximum vessel draft (whichever is greater). The structural
strength of the access is to be equivalent to that of the engine room bulkhead. Calculations are to
be submitted in accordance with 3-2-9 of the Marine Vessel Rules.
iii) The watertight access openings are to be adequately sized to allow for man entry, movement of
bearing components and tools required for bearing replacement to and from the chamber. The
access should permit evacuation of an injured person from the space. The height of the lower
portion (deck to opening) of the door should be less than 600 mm high. If higher than 600 mm, a
step should be provided. The step should be placed midway between the deck and the lower hatch
opening.
iv) The stern inspection chamber is to be fitted with a dedicated bilge well and bilge level monitoring
as per 4-9-5/15.3 of the Marine Vessel Rules. Bilge suction valve is to be located outside the space.
v) The bilge suction is to be connected to the machinery space bilge system and is to be capable of
pumping out and draining the stern inspection chamber and its bilge well. The piping
arrangements are to be in accordance with 4-6-4/5 of the Marine Vessel Rules. The piping
penetration to this space is to comply with the requirements in 4-6-2/9.7 of the Marine Vessel
Rules.

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 15
Section 2 Design Requirements 2

vi) A drip tray for collecting sea water is to be fitted below the inboard bearing seal, with draining
arrangements to the stern inspection chamber’s bilge well. It is to be constructed so as to collect
most of the water leakage while not obstructing the replacement of the bearing and seal. If the drip
tray is constructed in a way that may restrict the access to the bearing maintenance, it is to be the
bolted type so that it can be unbolted and moved out of the way during maintenance.
vii) The stern inspection chamber is to be provided with venting arrangements, in accordance with the
requirements in 4-6-4/9 of the Marine Vessel Rules.
viii) Permanent lighting is to be provided enabling inspection and component replacement work
(bearing, seal) within the chamber.
ix) Bilge level sensors are to be provided to monitor water ingress into the chamber. A water ingress
alarm is to be initiated at the machinery control stations and navigation bridge. The specific
criteria for water ingress alarms are to be in accordance with 4-9-5/15.3 of the Marine Vessel
Rules.
x) In order to facilitate the bearing inspection and replacement works in the stern inspection chamber,
supply outlets for service air, electricity and water, are to be located as close to the access
openings leading to the chamber, as possible.
xi) An opening in the bulkhead with a bolted cover of at least 12 inch (300 mm dia) providing access
for the insertion a portable vent duct to supply temporary ventilation while people are inside the
stern inspection chamber carrying out maintenance tasks.
Commentary:

Before entering the stern inspection chamber, the space is to be made gas-free, ventilated, and illuminated to protect the
personnel.

End of Commentary

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 16
 SECTION 3
Survey Requirements

1 Objective
The objective is to verify conformance to the goals and functional requirements outlined in Section 2.

2 Initial Survey
In addition to all the applicable requirements under 4-3-2/11 and 4-3-2/15.9 of the Marine Vessel Rules, for
Class Notation TCM-W, the Surveyor is to inspect the stern inspection chamber for compliance with all
requirements of this document as per approved drawings, as well as all watertight access hatches, and
doors connecting the chamber to the engine room for compliance with the applicable requirements in the
Rules. The bulkhead seal tightness is to be verified by appropriate pressure test.

All systems required by the STBLess-W Notation are to be examined in accordance with the approved
plans to verify compliance. All testing procedures submitted under Subsection 1/3 are to be verified.

The STBLess-W Notation can be granted upon satisfactory trial results as detailed in 3/2.1 (Bearing
Replacement Procedure).

2.1 Bearing Replacement Procedure

The bearing replacement procedure through the stern inspection chamber while the vessel is afloat is a
requirement that is to be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the attending Surveyor. Demonstration by
simulation (mock-up) can be considered on a case-by-case basis. This trial can be limited to the first of a
series of sister vessels, or similar vessels at the discretion of ABS.

The Surveyor is to attend a trial bearing inspection and replacement activity carried out under the
prescribed afloat bearing replacement conditions and verify the following before sea trials:

i) The aftmost bearing and tailshaft/tailshaft liner can be inspected using approved inspection
techniques, such as with the use of borescope, or similar, without the withdrawal of the tailshaft.
ii) Demonstration that the aftmost water lubricated bearing can be replaced while the vessel is afloat
and from within the stern inspection chamber of the vessel without the need of propeller or
shaftline disassembly. This can be done either by the installation and on-demand activation of an
outboard inflatable seal to restrict water ingress through the aftmost water lubricated bearing or
through forward ballasting the vessel in order for the propeller plane to be above the water
surface.

3 Surveys after Construction

To maintain the STBLess-W Notation, the survey requirements contained in the ABS Rules for Survey
After Construction (Part 7) are to be complied with.

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 17
Section 3 Survey Requirements 3

Subject to a satisfactory operational record, as per 7-9-20/7 of the ABS Rules for Survey After
Construction (Part 7), the vessels assigned with STBLess-W Notation, the tailshaft survey interval
required by 7-2-1/13.1.3 of the ABS Rules for Survey After Construction (Part 7), can be extended under
the arrangements described in this document.

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 18
 APPENDIX 1
Visual Examples of a Stern Inspection Chamber

FIGURE 1
3D View of the Stern Inspection Chamber

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 19
Appendix 1 Visual Examples of a Stern Inspection Chamber A1

FIGURE 2
3D View of the Stern Inspection Chamber looking at the Engine Room
Bulkhead

FIGURE 3
3D View inside the Stern Inspection Chamber

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 20
Appendix 1 Visual Examples of a Stern Inspection Chamber A1

FIGURE 4
3D View of the Stern Inspection Chamber

FIGURE 5
Water-Lubricated bearing assembly

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 21
 APPENDIX 2
Example of Vessel Forward Ballasting for Conventional Shaft Alignment
Purposes

FIGURE 1
Forward Ballasting of a vessel for shafting repairs

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 22
 APPENDIX 3
References

1) Rossopoulos, G, O. Vlachos, C Leontopoulos, G. Koutsoumpas, A Hamilton, C Papadopoulos "

Design of Stern Tube-less Vessels with Water Lubricated Bearings Effects on Environmental
Performance and Shafting Efficiency." SNAME Maritime Convention, SMC 2023, 27-29
September, San Diego, CA.
2) Leontopoulos, C, Sterntubeless Vessels with Water Lubricated Bearings – A Novel Design
Concept, The Motorship, Future Fuels Conference, Hamburg, 21-23 Nov, 2023.
3) ABS Guide for Enhanced shaft Alignment (ESA Guide).
4) ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels (Marine Vessel Rules).

ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR STERNTUBELESS VESSELS WITH WATER LUBRICATED BEARINGS • 2024 23