The marine industry is currently facing an ongoing increase in both regulation and scrutiny regarding emissions, discharge practices, and acceptable lubricants used in various applications.

Many applications that have historically relied on traditional greases or oils are now being redesigned to accommodate environmentally acceptable lubricants (EAL), which is a significant shift in operational standards. This transition is introducing a new set of logistical challenges, particularly in sourcing acceptable products while ensuring compatibility with existing designs and sealing solutions in various systems. Consequently, vessel operators are increasingly looking towards composite bearing solutions that can perform effectively across a wide variety of demanding conditions and applications. These range from water-lubricated bearings that serve as replacements for existing rubber, other plastics, or wood products, to high-load steering components that replace traditional greased bronze materials, which operate both above and below the water line. In response to these evolving needs, Columbia Industrial Products offers an innovative solution tailored for the marine industry with its specially designed material, CIP Marine™, which boasts a low coefficient of friction and excellent wear characteristics. This unique material is also paired with fast and superior service to effectively address the challenges associated with unexpected dry docking time that operators may face.