Tunnel Thruster
medium
Tunnel-type bow and stern thrusters with electric or hydraulic drive
Known Models (4)
Brunvoll Tunnel Thruster FU
300-3500 kW
· 1500.0 kW
· Seawater
· Tunnel Thruster Electric
power_kw: 1500
type: Tunnel Thruster Electric
Common Failures:
- • Propeller blade tip erosion
- • Main bearing wear
- • Shaft seal leakage
- • Clutch engagement failure (if fitted)
Service: Brunvoll — strong in offshore/ferry segment. Fixed pitch — direction reversal via motor. Annual gear inspection.
Spares: Brunvoll: Getriebeöl und Dichtungen an Bord. Lead time: 3-6 Wochen.
Kawasaki Marine Bow Thruster
500-3000 kW
· 1800.0 kW
· Seawater
· Tunnel Thruster
power_kw: 1800
type: Tunnel Thruster
Common Failures:
- • Hydraulic motor leak (hydraulic type)
- • Tunnel grid damage
- • Shaft alignment issue
- • Control valve malfunction
Service: Standard on Japanese-built bulkers/tankers. Hydraulic version requires HPU maintenance. Test before each port call.
Spares: Kawasaki: Getriebeöl und Dichtungen an Bord. Lead time: 3-6 Wochen.
Rolls-Royce (Kongsberg) Kamewa TT Series
500-4000 kW
· 2500.0 kW
· Seawater
· Tunnel Thruster Electric
power_kw: 2500
type: Tunnel Thruster Electric
Common Failures:
- • VFD fault
- • Thruster motor bearing failure
- • Gear reduction unit oil leak
- • CPP hub seal failure
Service: Kamewa TT series. VFD enables soft start and speed control. Annual gear oil change. Propeller inspection at drydock.
Spares: Rolls-Royce (Kongsberg): Getriebeöl und Dichtungen an Bord. Lead time: 3-6 Wochen.
Wärtsilä (Lips) Tunnel Thruster CT/FT
500-5000 kW
· 2000.0 kW
· Seawater
· Tunnel Thruster Electric
power_kw: 2000
type: Tunnel Thruster Electric
Common Failures:
- • Propeller blade erosion
- • Shaft seal leakage
- • Motor winding fault
- • Gear unit bearing failure
Service: Inspect propeller at drydock. Gear oil analysis annually. Motor insulation test annually. Test before arrival at every port.
Spares: Wärtsilä (Lips): Getriebeöl und Dichtungen an Bord. Lead time: 3-6 Wochen.