Keeping marine systems moving
14 September 2026 
As ports continue to adopt automation and smarter infrastructure, every component has a role to play in keeping equipment running reliably. From cranes and pumps to winches and conveyor systems, bearing technology is helping improve uptime, reduce maintenance and support marine operations. Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explains how these often-overlooked components are helping keep ports running efficiently.
Global shipping is placing increasing demands on ports, with larger cargo volumes, tighter turnaround times and greater reliance on automation. While technologies such as robotic cranes and
AI-driven logistics are transforming operations, bearings remain one of the key components that keep critical equipment running reliably.
Bearings play a critical role in maritime equipment, supporting the reliable operation of everything from crane hoists and engine room machinery to automated conveyor systems. By
reducing friction and absorbing loads, they help equipment perform consistently in demanding operating conditions.
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% 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% 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 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.
Today’s 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 missioncritical. 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.
For further information please visit: https://www.smbbearings.com