This paper includes the experimental and numerical study of the mechanical behavior of a large scale composite journal bearing, used in marine applications. The bearing is a phenolic based composite with PTFE filler, and is strengthened by polyester fibers. The experiments have been done with a test apparatus which is designed to evaluate the tribological behavior of large-scale composite journal bearings under the oscillating rotation of the shaft. The simulation part of the study mainly focuses on the three-dimensional quasi-static model in which mixed Eulerian–Lagrangian formulation is used to simulate the rotation of the shaft and the contact between the composite bearing and the shaft. Moreover, in order to qualify the quasi-static model, a simplified two-dimensional dynamic model is developed. The experimental and simulation results are in a good agreement and indicate that the quasi-static mixed Eulerian–Lagrangian model is an appropriate method to simulate the sliding contact between the composite journal bearing and oscillating shaft. Further the results show that due to the generation of high hoop stresses in the bearing by the freeze fitting process, this method can extremely decrease the loading capacity of the laminated composite journal bearings compared to adhesive bonding method.