Most makers of azimuth thrusters have optimised their portfolio in terms of power range and propeller diametres over the past twelve months. One of the few completely new products comes from Germany
German manufacturer Schottel was one of the few companies to present a completely new product to the market. With the[ds_preview] shallow water thruster SPJ 30 the company extends the power range to 150 kW.
According to Schottel, the new pump jet type is suitable for a wide range of different ship types, such as passenger vessels, ferries, work boats and freighters. The thruster is characterised by optimal efficiency and gives the vessel maximum manoeuvrability, thrust and propulsion efficiency have been further enhanced, particularly by means of CFD optimisations.
The new product is ideal not only for newbuildings, but also for modernisations, says Schottel. Due to the compact design of the Pump Jet, space-saving installation is possible with minimal displacement loss. The above-water gearboxes are available as Z and L variants, and diesel engines, electric or hydraulic motors can be used as power sources.
The Pump Jet is installed flush with the hull of the vessel, so the vessel’s hull resistance is not increased and the risk of collisions with flotsam are reduced. Further protection against damage is provided by the protective grille on the inlet.
The robust SPJ is thus predestined for operation in extremely shallow waters – even in the event of grounding the risk of damage is considerably reduced. The thruster is optionally available with elastic mounting, which further reduces noise levels and vibrations. The new SPJ 30 will be available from the end of this year.
Rolls-Royce upgrades thruster plant
With an eye on the slow comeback of the offshore vessel thruster market, Rolls-Royce has upgraded and refurbished its thruster manufacturing plant in Rauma, Finland. The 57mill. € investment included the complete rebuilding of the site’s existing production hall, along with the building of a new, 35m high hall with 40t, 80t and 200t lift capacities for the manufacturing and testing of thruster units in all size ranges.
»Our azimuth thrusters are one of our most important products, providing mission critical power and propulsion for some of the largest floating objects on the planet. The conclusion to this significant investment in Rauma prepares us for future growth in this market«, says Mikael Mäkinen, Rolls-Royce, President – Marine. »By consolidating and optimising our thruster production processes we are in a better position to facilitate the markets we serve, particularly the offshore sector which we see beginning to emerge from its downturn«, he adds. A renewed welding hall, six factory acceptance test (FAT) rigs, an integrated logistics centre and a main office complex also formed part of the extensive work scope. »What we have created is a modern, state-of-the art thruster manufacturing hub that increases operational capacity, optimises production flow lines and delivers on our commitment to meeting our customers’ future requirements«, says Ulla Ylisäe, Rolls-Royce, Programme Manager, Rauma. The new facility streamlines production and the simultaneous testing of a wide range of mechanical thrusters, including the US and UUC type azimuthing thrusters and newly launched ELegance pods (see p.44).
Thrustmaster enters pod-land
Another thruster maker that has taken steps into the future is Thrustmaster of Texas. In February, the company acquired the product Dynamic Positioning (DP) from Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine together with the corresponding intellectual property rights. In November 2018, Thrustmaster already took a 58.5% stake in Dutch company Blue Thruster. With this transaction Thrustmaster gains access to two innovative patents developed by Blue Thruster. Those relate to the so-called V-pod concept that configures an azimuth thruster with an integrated permanent magnet motor.
Furthermore the US company expands its product portfolio and has engaged into a cooperation with AAApropulsion, an independent supplier of bow thrusters which avails of a license agreement with Blue Thruster and also markets and supplies the V-pods.
