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Manufacturers are optimizing their products primarely to increase thrust efficiency. Other priorities are ease of installation, maneuverability and reducing noise

Most companies have not changed their portfolio significantly within the last twelve months. In October 2017 Schottel announced the delivery[ds_preview] of the first azimuth thruster with ProAnode to a customer in Russia. With its new form and position, ProAnode is designed to define new standards for corrosion protection and consequently extend the lifecycle of the thruster. Offsetting the anode from the outer surface into the cross-section of the nozzle tail results in further operational benefits, such as reduced flow interference involving fuel savings, the manufacturer added.

After the acquisition of Scana Propulsion in March 2017 Brunvoll may now supply the worldwide shipbuilding industry with complete systems including main propellers, shaft lines and gearboxes as well as azimuth and tunnel thrusters including control, alarm and monitoring systems. It has introduced the new Azipull Propulsion Thruster. According to the company it is a highly efficient pulling thruster with reduced bulding height with integrated PM motor or a vertical asynchronous electric motor. Is is applicable for vessels in low speed to medium high speed range with poperations in transit and with requirement for efficient propulsion, for a wide range of various ship types. The installation would be easier compared to conventional geared azimuth thrusters with separate electric motors in the thruster room. Brunvoll stated. The scope of supply includes thePulling azimuth unit, electric motor, frequency drive and the control system. The Brunvoll Azimuth Pulling Propulsion Thruster is available in various sizes in the power range from 800 to 3,500 kW subject to type of operation and classification society and notations. J. Steinbach Ingenieurtechnik is the sole agent in Germany and BeNeLux for handling of all new-sales and project follow-up, sale of spare parts, After-Sales Services such as installation support and commissionin as well as repair and overhauls, for the complete product range in the Brunvoll portfolio.

Wärtsilä also introduces a product innovation by presenting the retractable thruster WST-24R which replaces the existing LMT1510. According to the Finnish manufacturer it is the industry’s first tilted steerable thruster with combined electric retraction and steering. With its 2,400kW power level the system would be suited especially for shuttle tankers, offshore support and construction vessels. Generally, the Finns have focused on better performance and on easier installation. The tilt effect has been chosen to reduce thruster hull interaction. Wärtsilä claims up to 20% more effective thrust by the tilt effect depending on vessel configuration. Much attention was paid to high propulsion efficiency by optimal streamlining of the housing, low propeller power density levels and the Wärtsilä thruster nozzle.

Meanwhile, Kawasaki Heavy Industries has announced the first order for their newly developed E-series Rexpeller azimuth thruster. Four units were ordered by China Communications Import & Export Corporation (CIESCO) for delivery to Tianjin Lingang Tug. They will be installed in tugboats scheduled to enter service in the second half of 2018 to assist large ships in China’s Port of Tianjin.

Voith have been contracted to deliver the latest generation of their Voith Schneider Propellers (VSP) for three new Staten Island Ferries, owned by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DoT). Each new ferry will be powered and controlled by two VSP36RV6 ECS/285-2 Voith Schneider Propellers. According to Voith their excellent maneuverability was a primary reason why the NYC DoT decided to use the VSP.

No claim to be exhaustive, all information without guarantee