Propeller Shaft Forgings Australia

Australia’s Marine Industry

Australia’s marine industry plays a vital role in the nation’s economy, which encompasses commercial shipping, naval operations, luxury yachting, and offshore resource exploration, to name but a few.

With vast coastlines, a variety of ports, and thriving trade routes, Australian vessels demand best-in-class propulsion systems to navigate diverse and challenging maritime environments.

Somers Forge understands the critical importance of reliability and performance in these applications. We have been a trusted supplier of propulsion, prop shafts and propeller shafts for Australian enterprises for well over a century.

Why Somers Forge?

Since 1912, Somers Forge has been at the forefront of manufactured marine forgings. We were one of the first companies to earn Admiralty Approval for supplying propulsion shafting—a testament to our dedication to excellence in the field. Today, we remain a preferred supplier for numerous Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and naval organisations worldwide.

We specialise in producing propeller shafts, drive shafts, and tail shafts for all types of vessels, from submarines and naval ships to superyachts and cruise liners. Whether you’re outfitting a new vessel or refurbishing an existing one, our expert team can deliver forged products engineered for superior durability and efficiency.

Propeller Shafts being forged for shipment to Australia at Somers Forge

Propeller Shafts Australia for Enhanced Performance

Propeller shafts are the backbone of marine propulsion systems, transferring power from the engine to the propeller. Here at Somers Forge, we utilise state-of-the-art forging techniques and advanced mechanistic innovations to produce propulsion shafts that set the industry standard. Our shafts are carefully engineered to withstand a variety of operational stresses, including:

Torque moments
Bending moments
Axle thrust forces
Transverse loads

Australian waters, known for their unpredictable weather and varying sea conditions, place significant demands on propulsion systems. Our shafts are designed to perform reliably under such conditions, reducing wear and extending their lifespan.

Materials and Capabilities

Somers Forge offers unmatched versatility in material selection, ensuring that every propeller shaft or drive shaft is suited to its specific application. Common materials include:

C45
34CrNiMo6
Stainless steel
Inconel

Additionally, we can manufacture using any material specified by our clients. Our facilities enable us to produce propulsion shafts up to 23 meters in length with complete machining services available. This ensures your shaft is delivered ready for installation, saving valuable time and resources.

Advanced Techniques for Enhanced Durability

To meet the challenges of Australia’s demanding marine environments, Somers Forge has developed proprietary solutions to enhance the performance and longevity of our products:

Glass Reinforced Coating – Somplas

Our Somplas coating provides superior protection against corrosion and impact, ensuring long-lasting durability. Tested and approved by leading certification bodies such as DNV, ABS, and Lloyds, Somplas is also environmentally friendly and REACH-compliant, making it an ideal choice for sustainable marine operations.

Propeller Shaft Weld Cladding

Recognising the importance of corrosion resistance, we have invested in advanced weld cladding technology. This process enhances the protection of stainless steel and nickel-based alloy shafts, significantly extending their operational lifespan. Somers Forge is proud to be the first UK forge approved to offer this innovative service, strengthening our contribution to global marine industries.

Drive Shafts for Every Type of Vessel

Our propeller shafts and related components are suitable for a wide range of vessels, including:

Naval ships
Submarines
Patrol vessels
Superyachts
Cruise liners
Commercial shipping vessels

Each shaft we produce is engineered to exacting tolerances, ensuring flawless alignment, balance, and performance. Our CNC lathes and unique boring facilities allow us to bore shafts up to 20 meters from one direction, eliminating mismatches and guaranteeing a perfectly balanced final product.

Trusted by the World’s Best Navies

Somers Forge’s reputation for excellence extends across the globe, with our products trusted by some of the world’s most prestigious navies. Our unwavering commitment to quality and precision has earned us preferred supplier status for numerous naval and commercial operators.