UK Docks Martine Services completes drydocking and refit of research vessel Ocean Endeavour
Gardline’s research vessel in drydock at UK Docks Marine Services Teesside yard (Source: Thorndon Bearings)
The east coast UK repairer UK Docks Marine Service’s Teesside yard has completed the drydocking and refit of the locally-owned 1,967gt 1986-built research vessel Ocean Endeavour on April 4th, following the 77.1m vessel’s return to the UK from a deployment to Australia. Ocean Endeavour is owned by Great Yarmouth-based Gardline, a multi-discipline marine survey company.
During the vessel’s time in drydock it was fitted with a new Thorndon Bearing SXL water lubricated bearing. Ocean Endeavour frequently operates in ecologically sensitive marine environments, and Thorndon’s contract to fit the new rudder bearing to the vessel underscores the value of the company’s grease-free bearing and seal solutions in helping keep the seas and oceans clean.
Ocean Endeavour, which is powered by two Ruston 8RKMC diesels, driving a single four-bladed c.p. propeller, was previously fitted with a bronze rudder bearing. This required replacing due to age-related wear and tear, and bronze replacement bearings are expensive
