Engineering reliability in port operations
17 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 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 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.
Bearing technology is also evolving alongside increased port automation. 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 sustainability targets by optimising machine usage and reducing energy consumption. When friction is minimised and component wear is tracked accurately, equipment runs more efficiently — cutting unnecessary load on motors and systems. Over time, this adds up to measurable energy and cost savings.
Different tasks call for different bearing types
Low-noise deep-groove ball bearings work well in electric motors and pumps. 316 grade stainless steel or full ceramic bearings resist salt spray and wear, making them ideal for deck equipment. Angular contact bearings are strong under combined loads while needle rollers are suited to compact spaces with high radial force. Thin-section bearings are used when weight and smooth rotation matter most.
But specifying the right bearing isn’t just a technical decision — it’s a business one. Poor component choice can result in shorter lifespans, increased maintenance costs and even equipment failure. That’s why many ports and shipping operators now work closely with bearing specialists to ensure the right fit for each application.
For instance, in automatic stacking cranes, bearings must deal with repeated stop-start cycles and variable loads. Choosing a bearing with the correct dynamic load rating and seal design can significantly reduce the risk of early failure. Similarly, for shipboard engines operating around the clock, low-friction hybrid bearings can improve energy efficiency and extend service intervals.
Procurement teams are also starting to treat bearings as part of wider asset performance strategies. Rather than focusing solely on upfront cost, the emphasis is shifting to total cost of ownership. Bearings that last longer, require fewer interventions and reduce machine wear may be more expensive upfront — but they can pay for themselves many times over in reduced downtime and maintenance.
Today’s ports are built on more than software and steel; they rely on every component, including bearings, to perform reliably under pressure. As cargo volumes rise and schedules tighten, getting the small things right becomes mission-critical. Bearings may not be the stars of the show but in a well-run terminal, they’re part of what keeps the whole operation moving — day in, day out.
For further information please visit: http://www.smbbearings.com/