Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal has been selected as one of seven finalists for the Maritime Engineering Innovation Award at the Lloyd's List Global Awards 2016. The award recognises an innovative project or technology which has demonstrated or has verified potential to move shipping forward. The winner will be awarded on 28 September at the National Maritime Museum in London. Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal is an innovative new seal that can be fully serviced underwater without setting up a habitat. The product was officially launched at the end of 2015 and is the first product of its kind on the market, offering customers increased uptime and lifecycle efficiency and mitigating safety risks. "We are extremely proud to be shortlisted for the Maritime Engineering Innovation Award. Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal is a ground-breaking solution that reduces costs as well as environmental risks, while increasing operational efficiency. We are glad that by shortlisting Wärtsilä Sternguard In-water Serviceable seal, the judges have already recognised its value to the ever-developing marine industry," says Damian O'Toole, Director, Seals and Bearings from Wärtsilä. Earlier this year, Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal also became a runner-up in the European Marine Engineering Awards. The Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal was created to provide the customers with maximum up-time and cost benefits. The development of the final solution was an extensive process, involving vigorous testing programs including DFMEA (Design Failure Mode Effect Analysis) and PFMEA (Production Failure Mode Effect Analysis). The human element was considered at all stages of the development process. One of the essential elements was the inclusion of third-party personnel, such as specialist diving teams, ensuring real and tangible improvements in the live underwater environment. Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal can be used to retrofit any other type of seal and is available for any vessel type. Retrofit in dry dock can be carried out without removing the propeller or shaft, and for regular service and maintenance in water, there is no need to use an expensive and time consuming habitat and it is not necessary to drain oil from the stern tube for underwater overhaul. The Wärtsilä Sternguard In-water Serviceable Seal also includes an inflatable emergency seal, which reduces the risk of environmental pollution, and an inner rope guard for enhanced protection. Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal is also compatible with Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALS). The Lloyd's List Global Awards, organised annually by Lloyd's List Group, are highly regarded as a global mark of recognition within the shipping industry. This year's entries were first assessed by a senior team of Lloyd's List editorial staff. Then an independent panel of judges, consisting of experts in different areas of the shipping industry with a wide representation of its stakeholders, reviewed the entries and decided on shortlists. The winners will be awarded on 28 September at the National Maritime Museum in London.