Nautical Term: Bed plate
Definition of Bed plate
A bed plate is a substantial structure installed below the engine columns in a marine vessel. Its primary function is to offer support for the engine columns’ feet and crankshaft bearings. Furthermore, the bed plate plays a crucial role in distributing engine weight and stresses to the ship’s structure. This substantial component is typically made up of a series of transverse girders, connecting fore-and-aft members or girders. For instance, during the construction of a new container ship, the engineers carefully install a robust bed plate below the engine columns to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of the marine engine.
Explore other nautical terms: