Introduction
In Iceland, Asco Harvester designs and builds specialized barges for seaweed harvesting in some of the harshest marine environments imaginable. Their Viking Harvester barge operates in conditions that combine constant seawater exposure with extreme temperature variations, heavy mechanical stress, and impact loads. Manager Ómar Arndal Kristjánsson needed bearings that could handle these extreme conditions reliably.
The Challenge
The Asco Viking Harvester barge requires 68 bearings across various critical systems. Each bearing faces a unique combination of extreme conditions:
- Constant Submersion: One conveyor belt operates continuously underwater in seawater
- Heavy Loads: A specialized machine holds sacks weighing up to 2 tonnes when full, requiring 8 bearings to operate smoothly
- Marine Environment: Constant exposure to corrosive seawater and salt spray
- Temperature Extremes: Icelandic conditions mean bearings must handle both severe frost and heat from sunlight
- Mechanical Stress: Impact loads and vibration from harvesting operations
- Maintenance Access: Bearings on offshore equipment need minimal maintenance requirements
Asco initially installed bearings with plastic housings from another manufacturer in 2016. However, these proved inadequate for the harsh conditions. The entire installation required replacement within a year.
The Solution
"We have designed various barges that all have a considerable amount of bearings. These barges are all for work in harsh environments. Therefore we use Extreme Bearings in all our long-term designs," explains Ómar Arndal Kristjánsson, Manager at Asco Harvester.
In 2017, Asco made the decision to replace all bearings with Extreme Bearing units. The complete AISI 316 stainless steel construction provides several critical advantages for their applications:
Marine-Grade Corrosion Resistance: Grade 316 stainless steel withstands constant seawater exposure without degradation.
Robust Mechanical Design: The bearing housings handle the heavy loads and impact forces from harvesting operations. The sack-holding mechanism alone requires 8 bearings working in concert to smoothly handle 2-tonne loads.
Temperature Range: Extreme Bearings maintain performance in both the extreme cold of Icelandic winters and the heat generated by machinery and direct sunlight exposure.
Efficient Lubrication: "We use organic grease to lubricate the bearings about once a week. They retain grease well and we find this amount of lubrication is sufficient," notes Ómar. The seal design keeps lubricant in while keeping contaminants out.
Comprehensive Product Range: With 68 bearings needed across various applications, Asco requires different bearing types and sizes. The extensive Extreme Bearing product line provides all needed configurations.
Results
Since installing Extreme Bearings in 2017, Asco Harvester has experienced exceptional reliability across all their equipment:
- Zero Replacements Needed: "We have not had to replace any of them. And we do not see the need to do this for the next few years," reports Ómar
- Reliable Performance: All 68 bearings on the Viking Harvester continue operating flawlessly in extreme conditions
- Minimal Maintenance: Weekly organic grease application provides sufficient lubrication—bearings retain grease well despite harsh conditions
- Business Growth: The reliability of their equipment has attracted international interest in their harvesting machines from Norway, Mexico, Canada, and the US
- New Designs: Success with Extreme Bearings enabled Asco to confidently design and build the Sigri 9057, a new barge specially built for seaweed harvesting
"Our experience is very good with all the Extreme Bearings we have used," confirms Ómar. The complete replacement of previous bearings in 2017 has proven to be a successful long-term investment.
Key Takeaways
- 68 bearings operating reliably on a single harvester barge since 2017 with zero replacements
- AISI 316 stainless steel essential for constant seawater exposure in Icelandic marine conditions
- Bearings successfully handle both continuous underwater operation and extreme temperature variations
- Specialized applications like 2-tonne sack handling require robust bearing design with high load capacity
- Efficient seal design retains organic grease with only weekly lubrication needed
- Comprehensive product range allows consistent solution across diverse bearing applications
- Reliability of equipment enables business growth and international market expansion
The success of Extreme Bearings on Asco Harvester equipment demonstrates their capability in combined extreme conditions: marine environment, temperature extremes, heavy loads, and continuous operation. This reliability has become a cornerstone of Asco's long-term equipment designs and business development.