Retractable Azimuth Thruster
high
Retractable azimuth thruster for DP vessels and special operations
4000h
Service Interval
5 yr
Class Survey
25 yr
Typical Lifetime
Typical Manufacturers
Wartsila
Schottel
Brunvoll
Known Models (3)
Brunvoll AR-63-LTC-1800
1800 kW
· 1800.0 kW
· Seawater
· Electric Retractable Azimuth
Common Failures:
- • Retraction cylinder seal failure
- • Gear bearing wear
- • Thruster well corrosion
Service: Brunvoll azimuth retractable; inspect thruster well coating at drydock.
Spares: Brunvoll: Getriebeöl und Dichtungen an Bord. Lead time: 3-6 Wochen.
✔ Pros
- • Improved maneuverability in tight spaces
- • Increased propulsion efficiency due to optimized thruster placement
- • Reduced drag when thruster is retracted, enhancing vessel speed
- • Enhanced control and precision during docking and undocking operations
- • Potential for reduced fuel consumption due to optimized propulsion system
⚠ Cons
- • Higher initial investment compared to fixed thruster systems
- • Increased complexity requiring more sophisticated maintenance
- • Potential for retraction cylinder seal failure and gear bearing wear
- • Thruster well corrosion can be a significant maintenance issue if not properly addressed
- • Requires regular inspection and maintenance to ensure optimal performance
Typical Vessels:
Cruise ShipsFerriesOffshore Supply VesselsLuxury Yachts
Certifications:
DNVABS
Decision Guide: Choose if: high maneuverability and propulsion efficiency are critical, and the vessel operates in tight spaces or requires precise control. Avoid if: budget constraints are a significant factor, or if the vessel's operational profile does not justify the complexity and cost of a retractable azimuth thruster.
Use Cases: Typically deployed on vessels that require high maneuverability and propulsion efficiency, such as cruise ships, ferries, and offshore supply vessels, where the ability to operate in tight spaces and maintain precise control is essential.
Schottel SRP 2020 FP
2000 kW
· 2000.0 kW
· Seawater
Common Failures:
- • Lower gear unit oil leak
- • Azimuth drive failure
- • Propeller blade damage
- • Slewing bearing wear
Service: Schottel retractable; check lower unit oil for seawater contamination.
Spares: Schottel: Getriebeöl und Dichtungen an Bord. Lead time: 3-6 Wochen.
Wärtsilä WRT-250
2500 kW
· 2500.0 kW
· Seawater
Common Failures:
- • Retraction mechanism hydraulic leak
- • Azimuth bearing wear
- • Propeller seal failure
- • Steering motor fault
Service: Wartsila retractable; test retraction/deployment mechanism regularly.
Spares: Wärtsilä: Getriebeöl und Dichtungen an Bord. Lead time: 3-6 Wochen.