Industrial bearings are at the heart of maritime resilience
Global shipping is under pressure. More vessels, bigger loads, tighter turnarounds — and all eyes are on ports to keep things moving. To stay ahead, terminals are embracing smarter systems: robotic cranes, artificial intelligence-guided logistics and highly automated infrastructure. But while the tech headlines grab attention, some of the most crucial components operate behind the scenes. A great example? Industrial bearings. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explains how these small parts are helping ports handle huge challenges.
Bearings are the quiet workhorses of maritime operations. They keep machinery running smoothly — whether it’s in a crane hoist, an engine room or an automated conveyor system. By reducing friction and absorbing shock, bearings enable port equipment to perform consistently under tough conditions. You might not see them but without them, modern ports would struggle to function.
Shipping routes are also getting longer and more unpredictable. Conflict zones, climate impacts and supply chain bottlenecks are forcing ships to detour, adding time and cost. In fact, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported a 4.2 per cent rise in ton-miles in 2023 as vessels sailed further to avoid chokepoints. This puts extra pressure on ports to speed up unloading and keep schedules tight.
Automation is part of the answer. Ports are turning to smart technologies to boost efficiency and reduce human risk. From remote-controlled cranes to self-organising yards, the systems in use today are more advanced — and more demanding — than ever before. This shift raises the bar for components like bearings, which need to deliver exceptional durability and precision in high-pressure, high-load environments.
In these conditions, standard bearings don’t always cut it. Saltwater, vibration, heat and constant use take a toll. That’s why many operators are switching to ceramic or hybrid bearings, which last longer, require less maintenance and perform better under extreme stress. In critical applications, they help reduce costly downtime and unplanned repairs.
Take DP World, for example. It’s among the global logistics companies leading the automation roll-out, in this case across 14 terminals in the Americas. In Vancouver, Canada, its cranes are already 80 per cent automated. In Brazil, similar upgrades are underway. These automated systems depend on bearings that can go the distance without frequent servicing.
It’s not just about surviving harsh environments — it’s about enabling performance. Bearings in shipboard cranes, winches or mooring gear face loads from multiple directions and need to keep turning reliably. In radar systems and navigation units, they have to be precise and lightweight. In pumps and propulsion systems, they must withstand long operating hours without wearing out.
As ports get smarter, so do bearings. New sensor-equipped designs are helping engineers track performance in real time. By monitoring temperature, vibration and load, these smart bearings support predictive maintenance strategies that reduce unplanned stops and extend service life.
The benefits of smart bearings aren’t limited to uptime. They also help ports hit sustainability targets by optimising machine usage and reducing energy consumption. When friction is minimised and component wear is tracked accurately, equipment runs more efficiently — cutting unnecessary load on motors and systems. Over time, this adds up to measurable energy and cost savings.
Different tasks call for different bearing types. Low noise deep groove ball bearings work well in electric motors and pumps. 316 grade stainless steel or full ceramic bearings resist salt spray and wear, making them ideal for deck equipment. Angular contact bearings are strong under combined loads while needle rollers are great for compact spaces with high radial force. Thin-section bearings are used when weight and smooth rotation matter most.
But specifying the right bearing isn’t just a technical decision — it’s a business one. Poor component choice can result in shorter lifespans, increased maintenance costs and even equipment failure. That’s why many ports and shipping operators now work closely with bearing specialists to ensure the right fit for each application.
For instance, in automatic stacking cranes, bearings must deal with repeated stop-start cycles and variable loads. Choosing a bearing with the correct dynamic load rating and seal design can significantly reduce the risk of early failure. Similarly, for shipboard engines operating around the clock, low-friction hybrid bearings can improve energy efficiency and extend service intervals.
Procurement teams are also starting to treat bearings as part of wider asset performance strategies. Rather than focusing solely on upfront cost, the emphasis is shifting to total cost of ownership. Bearings that last longer, require fewer interventions and reduce machine wear may be more expensive upfront — but they can pay for themselves many times over in reduced downtime and maintenance.
Given the cruciality of choosing the correct bearings for these applications, it is recommended to partner with a specialist bearing supplier, like SMB Bearings, which supplies ceramic, hybrid and stainless steel bearings for a wide range of marine and logistics uses. Its components are already helping ports and shipping fleets operate with greater reliability and efficiency.
Modern ports are built on more than software and steel. They rely on the strength of every nut, bolt and bearing to deliver under pressure. As cargo volumes rise and schedules tighten, getting the small things right becomes mission-critical. Bearings may not be the stars of the show but in a well-run terminal, they’re part of what keeps the whole operation moving — day in, day out.
To learn more about how SMB Bearings’ speciality industrial bearings are helping the shipping industry deliver under pressure, visit its website.
Contact:
The sales department,
SMB Bearings, Unit 15 Ventura Business Park,
Broadshires Way, Carterton, Oxon OX18 1AD,
Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Telephone: 01993 842 555
www: www.smbbearings.com
e-mail: sales@smbbearings.com
