Clear Advantages of Radial Fit Bolts in Marine Applications

The Watson-class vehicle cargo ship is a series of ships, used by the United States for prepositioning of ground vehicles. The class comprises eight of Military Sealift Command’s nineteen Large, Medium-Speed Roll-on/Roll-off ships launched between 1998 and 2002.

The original build included PILGRIM’s Morgrip coupling bolts and in 2018 the USNS Pomeroy came into drydock for maintenance. After some complications with the Morgrip Bolts PILGRIM  proposed to PATRIOT (ship management company) and the U.S. NAVY the advantages of upgrading to PILGRIM’s Radial Fit Bolts, the decision was made to switch the whole class of ships over to Radial Fit Bolts due to the tangible benefits even when considering the replacement costs.

Solution

PILGRIM’s hydraulically installed Radial Fit Bolts and installation equipment.

2 sets 90mm Ø x 515mm length bolts + End caps

1 set 75mm Ø x 480mm length bolts + End caps

2x Bolt tensioning kits

1x Air Driven Hydraulic Pulp

Benefits

• Upgraded coupling bolt to latest technology.
• Easy to retrofit.
• Safe install & removal.
• Quick Install & Removal.
• Removal of uncertainty as no stuck bolts when removing.