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 INTEGRATED SYSTEMS 28 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk 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. Keeping marine systems moving 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
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