Azimuth thrusters, typically employing powerful neodymium permanent-magnet motors, have become a major tool for electrifying maritime propulsion. Kongsberg Maritime, a pioneering leader in the technology, has recently extended the range of its underwater mountable, permanent magnet azimuth thrusters (UUC PM) and is preparing to extend it further with even higher power models. Electric towing winches are another area in which the company is applying permanent magnet technology to expand electrification on the sea.
In December, it introduced two new sizes to its UUC PM 405 model include units with 3.8m and 4.1m propeller diameters, delivering 86 and 91 metric tons of thrust respectively. Its engineers are working on future models offering up to 5.5m diameter and power ratings of 6000 kW, following a product development roadmap that supports the company’s ambition to support larger vessels and more demanding applications for the evolving offshore energy sector.
“The introduction of these new sizes reflects our focus on meeting customer needs for flexibility and power in offshore operations,” said Pasi Villanen, thrusters product manager. “Permanent magnet technology allows us to deliver higher thrust in a smaller footprint, which is critical for vessels operating in challenging environments.”
The UUC PM thruster range is engineered for easy underwater mounting and removal, significantly reducing vessel downtime and cutting maintenance costs. Together with built-in sensors enabling live condition monitoring, the underwater mounting capability and advanced permanent magnet motor technology deliver exceptional efficiency, reliability, and serviceability, making these thrusters the ideal choice for offshore support vessels, drilling rigs and other demanding dynamic positioning applications.
Powering new e-tugs in Turkey from Med Marine
In November, Kongsberg Maritime signed a contract with Turkish shipbuilder and tugboat operator Med Marine to supply US series azimuth thrusters and a combination of electric and hydraulic towing winches for nine new tug designs. The agreement includes Med Marine’s new VoltRA all-electric tug which will be built at the company’s Ereğli Shipyard, renowned for its modern infrastructure and craftsmanship. The contract covers the supply of eight shipsets of US255 azimuth thrusters. The pioneering VoltRA electric tug will be powered by a US205 azimuth thruster.
The scope of supply also includes five shipsets of Kongsberg Maritime’s newly launched electric towing winches and four shipsets of hydraulic winches. Introduced earlier this year specifically for the tug market, the new electric winches have been engineered to meet the demanding operational requirements of next-generation electric tug operations. Powered by frequency converter-driven electric motors, they deliver improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact compared with conventional hydraulic systems.
“This agreement with Med Marine marks a significant milestone for both our companies and for the maritime industry as a whole,” said Nils-Reidar Valle, Senior Vice President, Naval & Workboat Sales at Kongsberg Maritime. “By integrating our proven US-series thrusters and electric winches into Med Marine’s tug fleet, we’re demonstrating how advanced propulsion technology and energy-efficient engineering can work hand in hand to deliver powerful, sustainable performance.”
“This collaboration represents an important step forward for Med Marine as a global shipbuilder focused on innovation and sustainability,,” said Yıldız Bozkurt Ozcan, General Manager of Med Marine. “Partnering with Kongsberg Maritime enables us to integrate world-class propulsion and deck machinery solutions with our proven shipbuilding expertise. The ‘VoltRA’ series represents our shared vision to lead the tug industry toward a more efficient, electric, and environmentally responsible future.”
10 years of rim-drive thruster innovation
A decade ago, Kongsberg Maritime launched its pioneering rim-drive permanent magnet thruster technology and has seen since then some 100 orders for them. The first was introduced in 2015 onboard the Norwegian research vessel RV Gunnerus, representing a significant leap forward in marine propulsion. Since then, the technology has evolved into a versatile offering available in both tunnel and azimuth configurations for a wide range of vessel types including offshore support vessels and cruise ships, and dynamic positioning platforms. For more info, see www.kongsberg.com.
