An azimuth thruster combines propulsion and steering in a single device
and is able to rotate 360 degrees. This means full thrust of traction of the propeller for each direction. That makes a rudder unnecessary
In a rudder propeller setup the main engine usually is mounted in the hull of the ship. This is the[ds_preview] main difference to pod propulsion where the electric drive unit is located submerged in a gondola.
Azimuth thrusters are often provided with a nozzle. And they are designed as L-drive or Z-drive. In L-drive the pod-mounted propellers are driven mechanically rather than electrically. This form of power transmission is called L-drive because the rotary motion has to make one right angle turn, thus looking a bit like the letter »L«.
The Z-drive is so named because of the appearance (in cross section) of the mechanical driveshaft or transmission configuration used to connect the mechanically supplied driving energy to the Z-Drive azimuth thruster device. This form of power transmission is called a Z-drive because the rotary motion has to make two right angle turns, thus resembling the letter »Z«. Azimuth thrusters are mainly installed on cruise vessels, offshore vessels, tugs or anchor handling tugs and ice breaking vessels.
Last year, a few vendors have indeed changed their portfolio, but mostly only in the performance classes. Only a few developed new series of azimuth thrusters. Brunvoll for example is actually working on the new azimuth and rectractable azimuth thrusters AU 74, AU 93 and AU 115.
But experts still think there is room for developments of azimuth thrusters in the future. The main focus ist on making the systems more efficient. Another focus especially for cruise vessels is to make the systems quieter and more comfortable for the passengers.
