Process, Controls & Plant Focus on: Seals, Bearings & Lubrication 22 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk August/September 2026 Global shipping is under pressure, with growing cargo demands, longer and less predictable routes and tighter turnarounds meaning port equipment is being pushed harder than ever and making reliability, maintenance and uptime increasingly critical. To stay ahead, terminals are embracing smarter systems, including robotic cranes, artificial intelligence-guided logistics and highly automated infrastructure, increasing the need for components that can deliver the reliability and precision these systems demand. Industrial bearings are a key example, and Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explains how bearing technology is helping ports meet growing operational demands. Bearings play an essential role in maritime operations, keeping machinery running smoothly across applications including crane hoists, engine rooms and automated conveyor systems. By reducing friction and absorbing shock, bearings enable port equipment to perform consistently under tough conditions. Although often out of sight, without them, port machinery would struggle to operate reliably. Shipping routes are also becoming longer and less predictable, as conflict, climate impacts and supply chain disruption force vessels to take alternative routes, adding time and cost to journeys. 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 remotecontrolled 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 are not always sufficient. 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. Performance is just as important as the ability to withstand harsh environments. 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. Engineering reliability in port operations
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