Energy supply systems for maritime industries
Proven in numerous applications, igus energy chain systems and plain bearings excel in the harshest environments. They ensure reliable energy supply and support highly dynamic movements with long service life in port cranes, shore power supply, yachts, and the shipbuilding industry. All products undergo rigorous testing in the industry’s largest test laboratory under real-world conditions.
This extensive testing allows us to guarantee product reliability and create customized solutions for energy chain systems and plain bearings to meet diverse customer needs. Our igus e-chains can achieve travels of up to 800 meters, handle cable fill weights of 600 kg/m, and endure high edge loads of up to 250 MPa with plain bearings.
Shipbuilding
Proven across various maritime applications, igus energy chain systems and bearing components excel in even the most demanding environments. They ensure reliable performance and enhance the operational safety of machinery in shipyards, deep-sea crane ships, working vessels, and shore power systems in ports.
Key benefits of our products include:
✓ Dry-running and maintenance-free
✓ Durable yet lighter than steel
✓ Resistant to corrosion, seawater, chemicals, and UV rays
✓ Capable of withstanding extreme temperatures
✓ Easy to assemble, flexible, and modular design
✓ Predictable service life
Products and solutions for shipbuilding
e-chains E4-1
- Robust and lightweight
- Modular design
- Durable and quiet
- Straight running and fast assembly
- Very high rigidity
Harnessed cables
- Tested according to corresponding industry standards
- Ready-to-connect cables with industry-specific connectors
- 2,750 m² test laboratory
Ready-to-install energy supply
- 95% less harnessing time
- Reduced assembly time
- Reduction in manufacturing costs
- Minimal amount of logistics work
For fast rotating applications
- Rotation speed up to 180°/s
- Modular construction with standardised mounting options
- Integrated strain relief and cable guidance in the guide trough
Rugged, quiet, for high loads
- For circular/spiral movements up to 540°
- Quick cable replacement
- Rotary speeds of up to 1 m/s or more
Rotary movements up to 7000°
- Stable pin/hook connection for high load and long service life
Modular linear system
- For high loads and long service life
- Robust and dirt-resistant
- Flexible design
- Combination of lubrication-free tribo-polymers and corrosion-proof stainless steel
Round guide systems
- Shafts made of stainless steel
- Sliding elements made from tribo-polymers
- Lubrication- and corrosion-free
- Large variety of choice in housing shapes
Slewing rings
- Lubrication-free, dry and quiet operation
- Resistant to chemicals and media
- Rotary tables as stainless steel version V4A
Shipbuilding application examples
Energy chains for work portals in large ship production
At the compact shipyard in Papenburg, where mainly luxury liners and high-end cruise ships are built, a gigantic crane system is used over a length of almost 200 metres. Energy supply systems from igus are used to supply a crane system with a total of eight crane bridges with energy and media. They provide the necessary flexibility and freedom of movement when manufacturing high-precision steel components.
Shore power supply
Shore power, also known as cold ironing, is gaining significance as environmental awareness rises among the public. Ports are increasingly adopting eco-friendly technologies due to stricter regulations. Our customized energy supply systems for providing shore power to vessels at berth offer an effective solution for reducing air pollution, noise, and vibration. An international standard ensures compatibility, allowing different types of ships to access shore power in ports worldwide. IEC 80005-1 defines the standard for medium-voltage connections, while IEC 80005-3 covers low-voltage connections.
Solutions for shore power supply
e-chain reel
- Flexibility for existing and new shore power connections
- Protected cable guidance
- Increases safety and durability
e-spool shore power
- Slip ring-free system
- Resistance to seawater, cold, heat and vibrations
- Low-maintenance and inspection-friendly
Long travels for mobile SPO
- Travels of 450m or more possible
- Proven technology, longer service life, cost-efficient
- Modular design
e-dispenser for shore-power supply
- Modular and compact system
- Time-saving, partially automated connection of the power supply
- No exhaust gases, no noise, high degree of safety
e-loop energy chain system
- Can be opened and closed as required
- All parts are individually replaceable
- Simple maintenance
Shore power application examples
3,000 shore power connections annually
The Mongstad offshore base, one of Norway’s busiest, handles vessel changes twice a day. To ensure reliable shore power supply, an e-spool system is integrated into a 10-foot container, offering flexible positioning to meet operational needs.
Shore power cable management system for FSU in Bahrain
For Bahrain’s new offshore LNG terminal, Schneider Electric and igus® have collaborated to create the world’s first shore-side power supply system for a Floating Storage Unit (FSU). The system features a flexible cable feed mechanism that efficiently links the landing stage to the FSU.
Shore power gangway for Becker Marine Systems
Becker Marine Systems’ floating liquefied gas power plant, “Hummel,” provides energy to cruise ships docked at the port. The igus shore power gangway, which serves as both a cable management system and a passenger gangway, connects the barge to the quay and securely guides cables with connectors.
Port and intermodal cranes
Why choose an energy chain for cable guidance on cranes? Crane operations demand top performance from cable guidance systems due to heavy cable loads, extended usage periods, and exposure to various weather conditions. Energy chains for port and intermodal cranes excel in these environments, offering corrosion-resistant, maintenance-free materials, and a long service life.
Energy chains are particularly reliable in scenarios where tight deadlines and operational safety are paramount. Compared to busbar systems, festooning, and motorized drums, energy chains offer low-maintenance, quiet operation, and superior durability. It’s no surprise that more than 10,000 ports worldwide rely on this system.
Solutions for cranes
Energy chains for cranes
From medium travels on RTG or RMG cranes to high loads and travels of up to 1,000 metres.
Cables for cranes
Tested, UL-certified and UV-resistant cables with a service life guarantee for particularly long travels and tight bend radii on cranes.
Sensors for cranes
Prevent costly and time-consuming crane breakdowns thanks to networked products with sensors for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.
Heavy-duty bearings for cranes
Lubrication- and maintenance-free heavy-duty and fibre composite plain bearings for the chassis and other crane bearing points subjected to high stress.
Cranes application examples
Roller energy chain in continuous operation at the Port of Rotterdam
A P4.1 series roller energy chain is in operation at the Port of Rotterdam, one of the largest bulk handling ports in Western Europe. On the ship-to-shore crane, it operates continuously over 100 metre travel and without incident. So far it has completed more than 9,000 operating hours.
Container loading ship-to-shore crane
Since this port is located in the immediate vicinity of a residential area, a crane was equipped with the fail-safe and low-noise P4 roller energy chain. In addition to the e-chain system, it is also using chainflex cables pre-assembled and fitted with connectors, as well as the trough in which the chain travels.
Lubrication-free heavy-duty bearings in RTG cranes
The Vietnamese manufacturer Tan Cang Gantry relies on completely lubrication-free and maintenance-free TX heavy-duty bearings in the chassis of its new RTG cranes.
Pleasure crafts and yachts
Yachts and pleasure crafts face extreme conditions, from high forces due to wind and waves to fluctuating weather and corrosive saltwater. In these demanding environments, our dry-running plain bearings and linear guides excel, offering lubrication-free, maintenance-free, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight performance. We provide ready solutions either from stock or tailored to your specific needs, with no minimum order quantity required.
Solutions for pleasure crafts and yachts
Sailboats
Self-tacking jib: drylin W curved linear guides allows for customized radii and ensuring smooth, maintenance-free operation
Roller reefing (jib furler/spinnaker pole): igubal spherical bearings compensate for angular and tolerance errors, enhancing the durability and efficiency of the roller reefing system
Bow thruster: iglidur PRT slewing rings with dry-running plastic sliding elements, providing a ready-to-install, low-maintenance solution
Carriage system: drylin W corrosion-resistant, lubrication-free profiled rail guides ensures a smooth, long-lasting operation
Bilge pump: iglidur H1 plain bearings with high wear resistance, even in extreme ambient conditions
Kicking straps: bar stock plates, round and hollow rods made of self-lubricating polymers, ensuring durable and maintenance-free performance
Jam cleats: iglidur G lubrication- and maintenance-free sleeve bearings, designed to handle high edge pressures effectively
Hatch adjustment: drylin WJRM hybrid roller bearings with both single and double rollers provides smooth and efficient movement
Steering gear: iglidur J plain bearings, which are versatile, wear-resistant, and have a low coefficient of friction, compatible with nearly all shafts
Dodgers & bimini tops: drylin N low-profile linear guides, ideal for applications with limited installation space
Yachts
Sun roof guide: drylin N corrosion-free, low-profile guide system specifically designed for applications with limited installation space
Window guide: drylin T rail guides made of hard-anodized aluminum, providing robust, corrosion-free performance
Seat bearings: iglidur G cylindrical plain bearings, which are lubrication- and maintenance-free and capable of withstanding high edge pressures
Retractable steps: dryspin lead screw technology offers maintenance-free operation and up to 30% longer service life
Ramp movement: iglidur clip bearings are particularly resistant to abrasion and wear, making them suitable for medium loads
Anchor lockers and winches: iglidur Z plain bearings are wear- and impact-resistant, ensuring maximum service life under the extreme conditions
Motorboats
Steering system: igubal spherical bearings offers lubrication-free, tolerance-compensating solutions
Spring-mounted seat system: drylin W profile rail guides, which are corrosion-resistant and require no external lubrication, provides smooth and maintenance-free operation
Valves (EGR and turbocharger): igubal corrosion-resistant double joints, designed for maintenance-free, dry operation, ensures long-lasting performance in harsh environments
Flap bearings: iglidur J200 pressure-resistant sleeve bearings specifically engineered for aluminum shafts, ensuring reliable and durable operation
Gearbox: igubal quiet coupling joints provides low-friction, dry operation without the need for external lubricants
Electric seat adjustment: E2 micro e-chain, a lightweight energy chain designed for very small installation spaces and inner heights, ensuring efficient and compact electric operation
Plain bearings in gear actuators and belt tensioners: iglidur G lubrication-free sleeve bearings withstands high edge pressures
Trim tabs: iglidur J plain bearings are versatile, have very low coefficients of friction, and are highly wear-resistant on almost all shafts
Pleasure crafts and yachts application examples
Clearance-free double rudder
In the steering system of the Seascape 24 sailing boat, igubal rod ends are used in the connections between the tiller, drive shafts and rudder blades. The fact that they are robust, extremely low-friction, and free from clearance and corrosion makes them the perfect component for this application.
Reliably guided lift system
How does the dinghy get onto the yacht or the jet ski into the water? This plant manufacturer knows the answer. The company designs lift systems for yachts – and relies on energy chains, drylin profile guides and iglidur plain bearings.
Lubrication-free seat system with shock absorber
The company Professional Components has developed a mechanism for seats in boats that protect users from severe spinal damage and extreme fatigue. The system uses a shock absorber in conjunction with plain bearings made of iglidur J4 material.
If you have any questions, contact our product managers!
Hans Christian Maudal
Sales Manager & Product Manager –
E-chain® solutions
Trine Zimmermann
Product Manager –
Composite bearings & Linear technology
