Propeller Shaft & Stern Tube

SS DALHAT
Tutorials
 Describe the arrangement of thrust
shaft, intermediate shaft and propeller
shaft
 Describe how the propeller shaft is
supported between the thrust block and
the stern tube
 Describe how propeller thrust is
transmitted to the hull
Tutorials
 Sketch and describe an oil lubricated
stern tube bearing
 Describe how the propeller is secured to
the tailshaft
 Describe the arrangement of thrust shaft, intermediate shaft and

propeller shaft … refer to notes

The main propulsion shafting is composed of several sections. Propeller shaft, Intermediate shaft
and thrust shaft
 Describe how the propeller shaft is supported between the thrust
block and the stern tube
Aft peak
bulk head
Stern tube

The stem tube is the cast iron or

mild steel tube through which the
propeller shaft passes through
the stem of the ship, its function
being to support the weight of the
propeller and shaft, and prevent
water entering the ship. It is fitted
between the after peak bulkhead
and the stem frame, being placed
into position from the inside of
the ship. Stern frame
 Describe how propeller thrust is transmitted to

the hull

The thrust developed on the

propellers is transmitted to Thrust Bearing
the ship structure by the
thrust shaft through the thrust
block.

The main thrust block

transfers forward or astern Engine

propeller thrust
to the hull and limits axial Thrust collar
movement of the shaft to
protect the
main engine.
Describe how propeller thrust is transmitted to the hull

Thrust Bearing

Engine

Thrust collar
Sketch and describe an oil lubricated stern tube bearing

Sea water level outside Header Tank

For bearing lubrication

Forward seal
Aft seal Prevents oil leaking out
Prevents seawater leaking in
and oil leaking out
Aftpeak tank water

Header Tank
Aft seal
cooling system

Oil pump

Cooler

Drain Tank
Oil pump
Sketch and describe an oil lubricated stern tube bearing

•In case of oil leakage, indicating failure of

Aft seal, consider lowering the header tank
level to slightly above ship’s present draft to
reduce leakage.
•If possible ask the oil supplier to deliver high
viscosity stern tube oil.
•Introduce oil of higher viscosity SAE 50
cylinder oil which will reduce the leakage and
allow to make it to the port for repairs.
 Sketch and describe an oil lubricated stern tube bearing

Stern tube oil is regularly tested for water & salt water
content and metal particles.
Classification societies may use
wear metals analysis to assess the condition of the
propeller shaft bearing.
Describe how the propeller is secured to the

propeller shaft

Propeller shaft is tapered

and a key with rounded
ends sunk into it;
propeller boss fits
on this tapered part
and the propeller nut
screwed on the end
to lock the propeller.
A locking finger key
is fitted on the nut,
protruding into a hole
in the face of the propeller
boss to prevent the nut slackening
back.
Summary
 Describe the arrangement of thrust
shaft, intermediate shaft and propeller
shaft
 Describe how the propeller shaft is
supported between the thrust block and
the stern tube
 Describe how propeller thrust is
transmitted to the hull
Summary
 Sketch and describe an oil lubricated
stern tube bearing
 Describe how the propeller is secured to
the tailshaft /Propeller shaft