Lignum Vitae North America, LLC. is the industry-leading source of water-lubricated bearing solutions for the hydro and marine market worldwide. As a global supplier, Lignum Vitae collaborates with customers to provide bearing and seal solutions that are EPA compliant, ABS, DNV-GL, and NSF61 approved. With an unmatched history of over 160 years Lignum Vitae North America promises to return reliability and longevity from workboats to Aircraft Carriers.
About us
About Lignum Vitae Water Lubricated Bearings

Lignum Vitae History
1852
Patent
First successful stern tube bearing for rotating shafts patented
1856
Transatlantic voyage
First bearing to make transatlantic voyage
1882
First Hydroelectric Plant
Thomas Edison specifies lignum vitae for Appleton hydro plant
1954
USS Nautilus
One of the first nuclear submarines launched that included lignum vitae bearings
1976
Ice Breakers
Non-nuclear polar class ice breakers start to use lignum vitae
2008
Humble beginnings
Robert Shortridge founded Lignum Vitae North America in response to growing demand for reliable, durable, and low environmental impact bearings in the hydropower industry.
2017
Completes Aircraft Carrier Project
After 33 years of uninterrupted service, the Indian Navy decides to continue with lignum vitae stern tubes in the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier to guarantee mission readiness.

