Shaft sealing system for steam turbines

A shaft sealing system and method are disclosed for a low pressure turbine section having a rotating member including a shaft (130) and a stationary member (140) surrounding the rotating member and defining a steam flow path (150). The shaft sealing system comprises at least one seal disposed about each of a first end (172) and a second end (174) of the shaft; and a connection line (200) for conducting steam from the first turbine section (110) to a downstream portion of the turbine. The downstream portion of the turbine has a lower pressure than both of the first turbine section and ambient pressure conditions.