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Distance Rings and Spacer Rings for Stern Tube Suppliers
Distance rings and spacer rings are small but critical components inside the stern tube assembly. They set bearing clearances, position oil seals, and absorb axial movement of the propeller shaft.
Worn or undersized rings cause oil leaks, vibration, and bearing damage. Replacement parts must match the original drawings exactly, or the seal arrangement will not hold under load.
RecordsMarine maintains a directory of distance rings and spacer rings for stern tube suppliers, helping shipowners, dry dock teams, and chief engineers source parts that fit the first time.
What These Rings Do
Each ring in the stern tube assembly has a specific job:
- Distance rings — set axial spacing between seal faces
- Spacer rings — fill the gap between bearings and shaft components
- Wear rings — protect the shaft surface from seal contact
- Locking rings — hold the assembly in place under torque
Sizes range from a few centimeters on small vessels to over a meter on VLCC and bulk carrier shafts. Material is usually bronze, stainless steel, or high-grade composite, depending on the seal maker and shaft size. Approved suppliers of distance rings and spacer rings for stern tube assemblies hold drawings and CAD files for the most common makes, which shortens lead time on emergency orders.
When These Parts Are Needed
Common reasons for ordering ring replacements:
- Scheduled tail shaft survey during dry dock
- Oil leak at the forward or aft seal
- Bearing replacement or relining
- Shaft withdrawal for propeller work
- Damage after grounding or contact
- Conversion to environmentally acceptable lubricant (EAL) systems
- Newbuild commissioning or shaft alignment
Most owners keep at least one full ring set per vessel as the ship's spares. Working with proven distributors of distance rings and spacer rings for stern tube assemblies also makes restocking easier between dry docks.
Recommended Brands
The stern tube seal market is led by a small group of OEMs that also supply ring sets:
- Wärtsilä (Sealol, Simplex-Compact)
- Kemel
- Cedervall
- Eagle Industry (formerly Blohm + Voss)
- John Crane Marine
- Deep Sea Seals
Rings matched to the original seal maker stay traceable during the tail shaft survey and protect the OEM warranty. Aftermarket sources exist for older shaft designs no longer in production.
What to Check Before Ordering
Useful points to confirm before placing an order:
- Original drawing number or part number
- Shaft diameter and seal model
- Material specification — bronze, steel, or composite
- Surface finish and tolerance class
- Material certificate (3.1 or 3.2 EN 10204)
- Lead time fitting the dry dock window
- Quantity and packaging for shipboard storage
A photo of the existing ring with measurements often speeds up the quote, especially for older shafts where drawings are missing.
Industry Standards
Stern tube ring supply follows IACS UR M5 on shaft surveys, ISO 9001 quality systems, EN 10204 material certification levels, and class society rules from DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register, and others. Environmentally acceptable lubricant (EAL) rings used in US VGP waters must also meet EPA 2013 VGP requirements for material compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do stern tube rings last?
Most run for 15 to 20 years, matching the seal overhaul interval.
Are rings shaft-specific or interchangeable?
Shaft-specific. Each set is machined to the original drawing tolerance.
What is the typical lead time?
Common sizes ship in 1 to 3 weeks. Custom rings for older shafts can take 6 to 10 weeks.
Can rings be re-machined instead of replaced?
Sometimes, if the wear is minor and the material is suitable. Most owners replace rather than re-machine for class compliance reasons.
Do rings ship with material certificates?
Yes. EN 10204 type 3.1 is standard, with 3.2 available for safety-critical applications.
Find Distance and Spacer Rings Supplier Near You
Below is a vetted list of suppliers stocking stern tube rings at major shaft repair workshops and dry dock hubs. Pick from the entries to match your shaft model, ring material, and order timing.

Year Founded: 2022
VerifiedCATEGORIES:
Distance Rings & Spacer Rings for Stern Tube
AIS (Automatic Identification Systems)
ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids)
AMS (Alarm Monitoring Systems)
Air Reservoirs
(5)
BRAND:
Ulstein
SCHOTTEL
CHG
CJR Propulsion
Dalian
(68)
CLASS APPROVED:
IACS: ABS, ClassNK, CCS, BV
WAREHOUSES:
China

Year Founded: 2018
VerifiedCATEGORIES:
Distance Rings & Spacer Rings for Stern Tube
15 PPM Monitoring Equipment
AIS (Automatic Identification Systems)
AMS (Alarm Monitoring Systems)
ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids)
(195)
BRAND:
Ulstein
SCHOTTEL
CHG
CJR Propulsion
Dalian
(68)
CLASS APPROVED:
IACS: ABS, ClassNK, CCS, BV
WAREHOUSES:
China

Year Founded: 2011
VerifiedCATEGORIES:
Distance Rings & Spacer Rings for Stern Tube
15 PPM Monitoring Equipment
AIS (Automatic Identification Systems)
AMS (Alarm Monitoring Systems)
ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids)
(177)
BRAND:
Ulstein
SCHOTTEL
CHG
CJR Propulsion
Dalian
(68)
CLASS APPROVED:
IACS: DNV
WAREHOUSES:
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
Angola
Austria
Australia (209)

Year Founded: 2004
VerifiedCATEGORIES:
Distance Rings & Spacer Rings for Stern Tube
15 PPM Monitoring Equipment
AIS (Automatic Identification Systems)
AMS (Alarm Monitoring Systems)
ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids)
AUS (Automatic Unloading Systems)
Accommodation Ladder Davits
Accomodation Ladders & Gangways
Air Compressors
Air Driven Motors
Air Horns
Air Reservoirs
Air Starters
Alpha Lubrication Systems
Anemometers
(162)
CLASS APPROVED:
IACS: ClassNK, BV

Year Founded: 2025
VerifiedCATEGORIES:
Distance Rings & Spacer Rings for Stern Tube
15 PPM Monitoring Equipment
AIS (Automatic Identification Systems)
AMS (Alarm Monitoring Systems)
ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids)
AUS (Automatic Unloading Systems)
Accommodation Ladder Davits
Accomodation Ladders & Gangways
Air Compressors
Air Driven Motors
Air Horns
Air Reservoirs
Air Starters
Alpha Lubrication Systems
Anemometers
(166)
WAREHOUSES:
Hong Kong

Year Founded: 2020
RM verifiedCATEGORIES:
Distance Rings & Spacer Rings for Stern Tube
Air Compressors
Air Driven Motors
Air Horns
Air Starters
Alpha Lubrication Systems
Automation Control Equipment & Control Units
BackWash Filters
Boiler Automation Equipment
Centrifugal Pumps
Control Air Dryers
Cranes
Diesel Generators
Engine Fuel Injection High Pressure Pipes (2-Strok
Engine Exhaust Valve L.O. High Pressure Pipes (2-S
(66)
WAREHOUSES:
Turkey
China
Greece
Japan
South Korea (1)

Year Founded: 2010
RM verifiedCATEGORIES:
Distance Rings & Spacer Rings for Stern Tube
15 PPM Monitoring Equipment
Accommodation Ladder Davits
Accomodation Ladders & Gangways
Air Compressors
Air Driven Motors
Air Horns
Air Reservoirs
Air Starters
AIS (Automatic Identification Systems)
Alpha Lubrication Systems
AMS (Alarm Monitoring Systems)
Anemometers
Anti-Heeling Systems
ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids)
(166)
CLASS APPROVED:
IACS: ABS, RINA, ClassNK, CCS, BV, CRS, PRS, KR, LR, DNV, IRS
Non-IACS: RMRS, HRS, Other

Year Founded: 2025
CATEGORIES:
Distance Rings & Spacer Rings for Stern Tube
Automation Control Equipment & Control Units
Boiler Automation Equipment
Compass (Gyro & Magnetic)
Diesel Generators
Cranes
CPP Systems (Controllable Pitch Propeller)
ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display Information System
Electric Propulsion Systems
Electrical Actuators
WAREHOUSES:
India
Greece
Singapore
CATEGORIES:
Distance Rings & Spacer Rings for Stern Tube
15 PPM Monitoring Equipment
AIS (Automatic Identification Systems)
AMS (Alarm Monitoring Systems)
Accomodation Ladders & Gangways
Air Compressors
Air Driven Motors
Automation Control Equipment & Control Units
BWTS (Ballast Water Treatment Systems)
BNWAS (Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm Systems)
Boat Engines
Boiler Automation Equipment
Centrifugal Pumps
Communication Equipment
Compass (Gyro & Magnetic)
(91)
WAREHOUSES:
Turkey

Year Founded: 2014
CATEGORIES:
Distance Rings & Spacer Rings for Stern Tube
15 PPM Monitoring Equipment
AIS (Automatic Identification Systems)
AMS (Alarm Monitoring Systems)
ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids)
AUS (Automatic Unloading Systems)
Accommodation Ladder Davits
Accomodation Ladders & Gangways
Air Compressors
Air Driven Motors
Air Horns
Air Reservoirs
Air Starters
Alpha Lubrication Systems
Anemometers
(168)
WAREHOUSES:
Egypt
