Propulsion Units
Propulsion units are self-contained thruster packages for main propulsion and positioning of barges, platforms and river craft. They are available with diesel or electric hydraulic drives with power ratings from 35 hp (26kW) to 2000 hp (1500kW). Conversion from a simple barge or unpowered vessel can be done in as little as a few hours to less than a week without modifying the hull. The hydraulic drive is especially suited for shallow, brown water applications where debris in the water or shallow bottoms can be a problem.
The hydraulic drive provides fully proportional propeller speed control in forward and reverse while the engine runs at constant speed. Many options are available, including hydraulic kick-up of the outdrive, hydraulic propeller depth adjustment, remote control panels, choice of engines, etc.
Propulsion Unit Options
- Thrustmaster Self Contained Hydraulic Driven Propulsion Units (360 degree steering)
- Workmaster Self Contained Hydraulic Driven Propulsion Units (180 degree steering)
- Transom-Mounted Hydraulic Thrusters
- Mini-Skid Units (Deck-Mounted HPU and Outdrive are separate)
- With or without nozzles
Azimuth Thrusters
Hydraulic Propulsion Units are available from 35 to 2,000 HP with or without a nozzle to help concentrate forward trust and maximize bollard pull. The hydraulic hydrostatic transmission provides fully proportional propeller speed control in forward and reverse while the engine runs at constant speed.
Many custom solutions and options are available, including tilt of the outdrive, hydraulic propeller depth adjustment, remote control options, and choice of engines. Or, as in the below image, the engine can be turned sideways to reduce the deck foot print leaving more room for work and cargo.
Workmasters™ are deck-mounted or transom-mounted hydraulic propulsion units. Workmaster™ models range from 35 to 1,000 HP. They feature steering through 180° and proportional propeller speed control in forward and reverse, providing omnidirectional thrust capability. Hydraulic power kick-up and propeller depth adjustment are available. Matched to application from stock components.
The outboard drive assembly includes the steering actuator, drive and stem rotation mechanisms, outboard stem, propeller hydraulic motor, propeller, and the outboard tilt mechanism. Routine servicing of the outdrive does not require disassembly of the unit.
Transom-mounted units are ideal for applications where sufficient freeboard is available. They can be welded to the transom or sides of vessels, barges or platforms. Frequent immersion from wave action is no problem. The engine and hydraulic power unit may be installed on deck or in an engine room at any convenient location. A single engine may power multiple transom-mounted thrusters.
Mini-skid units preserve precious deck space. The engine can be installed remotely and a single engine may power multiple thrusters.
Mini-skid thrusters are a key component of Thrustmaster’s exclusive Portable
Azimuth thrusters are for main propulsion of displacement vessels. They are available from 75 to 10,750 HP (55kW to 8.0MW) to replace conventional propulsion and rudder steering systems to perform both the propulsion and steering functions.
Azimuth thrusters are used when enhanced maneuverability is required in applications such as dynamic positioning, ship escort and ship docking services.
Azimuth thrusters are available in Z-drive configuration with direct diesel engine drive or in L-drive configuration for electric or hydraulic drive from overhead.
Azimuth mechanical, electric, or hydraulic thruster options
The Thrustmaster Portable Dynamic Positioning System (PDPS) is a unique system for dynamic positioning of vessels, barges and floating structures of any size. Thrustmaster’s portable dynamic positioning systems facilitates affordable and quick dock-side conversion of any vessel to DP-0 thru DP-3 per any of the major classification societies.
Thrustmaster has been building podded hydraulic drives for more than twenty years. They are available from 35 to 2,000 HP either with open propeller or with nozzle. They are available in steel or aluminum, depending on vessel hull material. They can be welded or bolted to the hull.
Fixed podded drives replace conventional shaft lines and stern tubes. The engine can be placed at any convenient location (even on deck) as long as hydraulic piping or hoses connects between the engine driven hydraulic pump and the pod motor ports are available. Multiple pods can be powered by a single engine and thrustmaster can offer engineering services directly to the customer to provide a near perfect fit.
The hydrostatic transmission provides fully proportional propeller speed control in forward and reverse with the engine running at constant speed much like a generator. The vessel can be steered by individual control of propeller speeds in a twin screw configuration, or by installing a rudder behind the podded drive.
Underwater Mount Thrusters for Dynamic Positioning are installed after the vessel is launched. Because of the need to insure an accurate fit and seal integrity Thrustmaster also designs and manufactures the receptacles. The receptacles are mounted into the hull by the shipyard before launching.
A choice of control panels is available for each type of thruster. They may include local controls, wheelhouse controls, wing station controls or radio-remote controls. Controls may be mechanical, using push-pull cables, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical. Most wheelhouse control panels use electric controls and the voltage may be specified by the user when ordering.
