In an era of global commerce, about 90 percent of the goods consumed in the nation arrive by ship. As you read this post, at least 20 million containers are navigating the planet’s waterways. As the shipping industry looks to a period of stability and growth in 2018, Falk gearboxes will help keep marine vessels reliable and productive.
Projected Growth for the Marine Industry
Marine vessels transport more than 10 billion tons of merchandise each year, more than any other transportation mode. The industry provides thousands of jobs annually to those in every corner of the U.S. Innovations such as Falk gearbox parts and the introduction of containerization have enabled the maritime industry to be among the most productive in the country.
Despite the nation’s heavy reliance on marine vessels, the industry weathered economic hardships in the last couple of years. World trade experts, however, expect market demand for global container growth to increase by 4.7 percent between 2016 and 2019. This growth is markedly better than the average 2.85 percent seen between 2008 and 2016. Forecasters also anticipate annual container shipping volumes to quadruple by 2030. Optimism also remains high for other maritime sectors.
Trends influencing growth in the marine industry include long-term global demographic shifts, the increased use of megaships, and acceptance of hybrid solutions, commodity prices, and digitization. Other factors that point to optimism: low inflation, robust emerging markets, strong trade growth, and resilience in the face of political uncertainty.
The Role of Falk Gearboxes in Marine Systems
The maritime industry plays a crucial role in the global economy. Driving a ship’s reliable power are Falk gears, which have contributed to longevity in marine propulsion. From Falk speed gearboxes to application-engineered housings, Falk marine gear drives have kept the marine industry afloat and moving forward since they were introduced in the early 1900s.
Mechanical drives in high-revving engines require a gearbox to ensure the final drive rotates at an appropriate speed for the propeller. In simple layouts, you’ll find it between the propeller and a single engine, similar to a two-stroke engine. When a ship has multiple engines, gearbox arrangements are more complex, as they handle multiple inputs. A clutch allows the drive to come from one or more engines. Because of the vibration the gearbox introduces, dampers and couplings are used to counteract the effects.
Gearboxes are critical to getting a ship to its destination safely and efficiently. Their functions include engaging and disengaging the engine from the propeller, providing reverse rotation with a series of internal clutches that engage different gear sets, and setting the ratio between the engine rpm and propeller rpm. In marine vessels, gearboxes have another important function: providing a convenient location from which to drive an auxiliary device.
With proper maintenance, Falk gearbox parts cause few, if any, problems through thousands of service hours. For more than 70 years, Mar-Dustrial has provided fast, affordable maintenance and repair services, as well as replacement parts, for the marine industry. As one of three factory-authorized Falk RENEW repair facilities in the country, we specialize in restoring failed speed drives and rebuilding damaged maritime gear assemblies so they operate like new. Our vast quality inventory coupled with our fast service and affordable rates make inevitable marine-related maintenance and repairs more convenient and easier on the budget. As the marine industry continues to recover financially and work toward expanding, Mar-Dustrial’s Falk gearbox specialists will keep vessels in top shape with power transmission products.
Posted under Falk Gearboxes on Friday, February 23rd, 2018