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European Marine & Machinery Agencies |
- tunnel thrusters - retractable thrusters
Azimuth thrusters are for main propulsion of displacement vessels. They are available from 75 to 3,000 HP. They replace conventional propulsion and rudder steering systems to perform both the propulsion and steering functions. Azimuth thrusters are used when enhanced maneuverability is required in applications such as dynamic positioning, ship escort and ship docking services.
Azimuth thrusters are available in Z-drive configuration for direct diesel engine drive or in L-drive configuration for electric or hydraulic drive.
Azimuth Thruster Options
Z-Drive for horizontal input (diesel or electric motors)
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Azimuth Z-drive Thrusters use fixed pitch propellers in open wheel configuration or with nozzles. |
L-Drive for vertical electric motor input
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Azimuth L-Drive Thrusters use fixed pitch propellers in open wheel configuration or with nozzle. |
Azimuth Hydraulic Podded Drive Thruster
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Podded Hydraulic Azimuth thrusters use fixed pitch propellers in open wheel configuration or with nozzle. |
Retractable Through-Hull Azimuth Thruster
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Retractable azimuth thrusters are thru-hull azimuthing thrusters using fixed pitch propellers at variable speed. |
Transom-Mounted Azimuth Thruster
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Transom-mounted azimuth thrusters units are ideal for applications where sufficient freeboard is available. |
Deck-Mounted Azimuth Thruster
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Hydraulic Propulsion Units are available from 35 to 2,000 HP either with open propeller or with nozzle. |
Tunnel thrusters and bow thrusters are primarily used for docking, slow speed manoeuvring, emergency steering and station keeping at zero or slow forward speed. Tunnel thrusters are installed transversely in the bow or the stern of a vessel.
Electric Tunnel Thrusters
Electric drive tunnel thrusters with fixed pitch propeller are available from 250 to 3,000 HP. They are designed for variable speed electric motor input, either DC with SCR control systems or AC with variable frequency drives. Most of them are used in dynamic positioning applications.
Engine Driven Tunnel Thrusters
Engine driven tunnel thrusters for direct engine drive are available in the range of 250 to 3,000 HP. The engine must be provided with a marine gear with a reduction ratio to match the input speed of the thruster. A cardan shaft connects between the output shaft of the marine gear and the input shaft of the thruster.
Hydraulic Tunnel Thrusters
Thrustmaster offers a great line of hydraulic tunnel thrusters from 35 to 2,000 HP. They are used all over the world, many of them in dynamic positioning applications. Many models have ABS Type Approval.
Slow Speed Water Jet Thrusters
Thrustmaster water jets are available from 100 to 2,000 HP. They are used for docking and slow speed manoeuvring of displacement hulls with limited draft, such as inland casino and cruise vessels and empty river barges.
Thrustmaster hydraulic tunnel thrusters are available from 35 to 2,000 HP. Geared tunnel thrusters for electric or direct engine drive are available from 250 to 3,000 HP.
For applications with
insufficient draft for proper submergence of the tunnel thruster, a slow speed
directional jet thruster is the answer.
