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Remote propulsion controls and electric thrusters revealed
Wärtsilä Corp has today (16 April), released information on its new high-performance thruster and propulsion control package for offshore vessels, ferries and tugs
It has updated the bridge interface of its ProTouch remote propulsion control system to simplify and improve thruster commands during DP operations and vessel transits.
Wärtsilä said this system has greater accuracy and reliability for DP, streamlines the number of screens and controls used, improves situational awareness for navigators and reduces installation efforts at shipyards.
As part of the product revision, Wärtsilä introduced WST-E embedded electric steerable thruster and WST-R retractable thrusters as part of this package.
Its main thrusters have a compact design with an embedded electric motor in an L-drive configuration, requiring less space than conventional L-drive thrusters. They can fit into a space where typically Z-drive thrusters have been used and can be powered from any energy source on board producing electrical power.
Wärtsilä introduced three new Wärtsilä WST-R retractable thrusters – WST-09R, WST-14R and WST-18R – with an 8-degree tilted propeller shaft for DP and as a main steerable thruster, depending on vessel layout.
“For offshore vessel operators, safe and reliable station keeping is essential,” said Wärtsilä Marine director of thrusters and propulsion control systems Lauri Tiainen. “With this optimised thruster and control solution, Wärtsilä offers a DP capability solution that meets all required standards with a marked improvement in efficiency. This saves time, reduces costs, and enables an important contribution to decarbonising vessel operations.”
Wärtsilä said the tilted propeller from these retractable thrusters reduces losses in the interaction between the thrusters and hull, and between thrusters, resulting in higher effective thrust.
“The effective thrust is increased by up to 15% to 20% compared to non-tilted thrusters, meaning less installed power is needed for the same DP capability,” said Wärtsilä.
“This makes the unit more efficient, thereby reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The main thrusters are prepared to deliver faster steering speed and power ramping to ensure a quick response, should the DP capability require it.”
Wärtsilä claims to be the market leader in providing thrusters with an 8-degree tilted gearbox technology, having introduced the concept in 2013.
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