Oldham-based Pilgrim International is supplying Pilgrim hydraulic nuts and Pilgrim radial fit coupling belts to the Daewoo Shipyard, Korea. Daewoo is building four Ultra Large Crude Carriers, the largest double hull tankers yet built. The first vessel, Hellespont Alhambra, is scheduled for completion in November.
Quality has been the byword throughout the design and specification of the mammoth vessels, each of which will have its rudder stock fixing secured with a Pilgrim hydraulic nut. The nuts weigh over 2000kg each and have outside diameters of 1.180meters, making them the largest nits ever produced.
Continuing the pursuit of technical excellence Hellespont reviewed the current propeller shafting trends for vessels of this type. This revealed a significant 'slimming down' had taken place since the 1970s as propeller speeds have reduced, but transmitted far higher torque levels through smaller shafts and bearings. Hellespont reversed this trend, making the decision to produce flanges that complied with 1975 standards - 50 per cent thicker with larger diameter shafting. The Pilgrim radial fit coupling bolts have been ordered for all shaft flanges.
