Water-Lubricated Stern Tube Bearings Explained: How EVR Technology Supports Marine Propulsion

Blog | May 15th, 2025

Learn how EVR technology supports marine propulsion using water-lubricated stern tube bearings, with expert guidance from Wildon Engineering.

Water-lubricated stern tube bearings are becoming a vital innovation in marine propulsion as the maritime industry moves towards greater sustainability and efficiency. By using water instead of oil, these bearings eliminate the environmental risks linked to oil leakage while maintaining high performance. A standout example is the EVR bearing by KEMEL, engineered to meet modern operational and environmental standards.

What Are Stern Tube Bearings and Why Are They Important?

Stern tube bearings support the propeller shaft within the stern tube, ensuring smooth rotation while reducing friction, vibration, and wear. Traditionally oil-lubricated, these bearings posed environmental risks due to potential leaks. As regulations tighten, water-lubricated alternatives are gaining adoption for their eco-friendliness and simpler maintenance.

Learn more about the key differences between oil-lubricated and water-lubricated stern tube bearings by visiting our detailed article: Differences Between Oil-Lubricated and Water-Lubricated Stern Tube Bearings.

Introducing EVR: The Water-Lubricated Stern Tube Bearings by KEMEL

KEMEL’s EVR bearing is a high-performance water-lubricated stern tube bearing engineered to meet the complex demands of today’s maritime operations. EVR stands for Elastomeric Vibration-Resistant, referencing its uniquely designed inner surface made from durable elastomeric material. This design enhances vibration damping, shaft alignment, and long-term durability.

The EVR bearing removes the need for oil lubrication by using seawater as a natural, sustainable alternative—ideal for Australia’s vast marine environments. This design helps reduce operational risks while supporting compliance with national maritime regulations and environmental standards, such as those set by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Key Features of EVR Bearings

EVR bearings offer a range of distinctive features that make them ideal for modern marine vessels.

•  Environmentally Friendly Operation – EVR bearings use water lubrication, eliminating oil discharge risks and helping vessels meet marine pollution prevention standards for cleaner oceans.

•  Unique Elastomeric Lining – EVR bearings feature an elastomeric lining that reduces vibration and noise while flexibly adapting to shaft misalignment, ensuring smoother, quieter operation.

•  High Abrasion and Impact Resistance – Built for durability, EVR bearings resist wear from harsh marine conditions, offering long service life and lower maintenance requirements.

•  Self-Aligning Capability – EVR bearings feature a self-aligning lining that absorbs minor shaft misalignments, reducing stress and ensuring reliable performance in all conditions.

•  Enhanced Water Flow and Cooling – EVR bearings have grooves that boost water flow for better lubrication and cooling, reducing overheating and enhancing durability.

Supporting Sustainable Marine Engineering with Wildon Engineering

Wildon Engineering offers advanced marine solutions, including KEMEL’s EVR water-lubricated stern tube bearings, to support high-performance and sustainable operations. As the authorised distributor of trusted brands like Yanmar, Mitsubishi K.K., Meson, and Mareflex, we equip vessels with reliable and compliant technologies. EVR bearings represent the future of marine propulsion, delivering both efficiency and environmental responsibility for modern fleets.

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