ZF Tunnel Thrusters

Improved maneuvering with bow thrusters

The tunnel thrusters with optimized hydrodynamic efficiency lead to significantly increased maneuverability for traditional shaftline equipped commercial vessels and pleasure craft boats. In auxiliary use the ease of mooring can be improved. In essential use for more demanding applications, such as dynamic positioning, performance can be optimized. The thruster can be delivered in a performance range of 100-2000 kW.

All ZF Thrusters are developed and produced in-house and thus, can be customized according to the customer’s wishes.

Z-drive or L-drive
Control system ThrusterCommand is integral part of the propulsion system
A flanged arrangement makes it possible to remove the tunnel thruster from the vessel without dry docking
Increased tunnel lengths possible
Double wall bow thrusters for noise reduction
Drive options
- Diesel engine, using upper gearbox and clutch (Z-drive)
- Electric motor, both horizontal (Z-drive) and vertical (L-drive)
- Hydraulic motor (L-drive)
Steering of the thruster
- Electric or hydraulic steering
Cooling
- Sea water
- Fresh water
Propeller
- Fixed Pitch Propeller (FP)
- Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP)
Rope cutters
Anodes to protect the tunnel thruster
Also available with aluminum gearbox and tunnel
Additional longitudinal and circumferential stiffeners can be added on customer request
Classification by all major classification societies