Cutter thrust bearing assembly

A cutter suction dredger comprising:

• a vessel configured to float on water,
• a ladder extending away from the vessel, the ladder comprising a proximal end coupled to the vessel and a distal end configured to be raised and lowered;
• a cutter head positioned at the distal end of the ladder and configured to contact a bed of a body of water to cut into and break up the bed;
• a bearing assembly comprising:
• a first spherical thrust bearing configured to resist thrust forces generated by the cutter head contacting the bed of the body of water;
• a second spherical thrust bearing positioned opposite the first spherical thrust bearing;
• a symmetrical spherical bearing positioned between the first spherical thrust bearing and the second spherical thrust bearing;
• and
• a housing surrounding the first spherical thrust bearing, the second spherical thrust bearing, and the symmetrical spherical bearing, the housing mounted to the ladder;
• and
• a shaft extending along the ladder and through the first spherical thrust bearing, the second spherical thrust bearing, the symmetrical spherical bearing, and the housing, the cutter head coupled to a distal end of the shaft, wherein the cutter suction dredger does not include a cylindrical radial bearing coupling the bearing assembly housing to the shaft.