Chinese state-owned China Communications Import & Export Corporation (CIESCO) has placed an order with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) for its latest azimuth thruster.
Four of the E-series of the Rexpeller azimuth thruster are to be delivered to Tianjin Lingang Tug Co and installed on Port of Tianjin tugboats set for delivery in the second half of 2018.
KHI spokesperson Ryohei Sugimura told Marine Propulsion that there were a number of changes on the E-series that added energy savings, made maintenance easier and made the thruster more environmentally friendly.
“We have three big points,” said Mr Sugimura. “We call them ‘3E’.”
“The underwater gear case has been optimized and the propeller duct is a [new design]. These contribute to improve hydrodynamic efficiency, resulting in energy savings,” he said.
The product specifications on the E-series Rexpeller azimuth thruster say KHI has reduced energy consumption up to seven percent over its previous thruster series.
“A new structure on the built-in hydraulic clutch enables easier access and inboard maintenance. And auxiliary equipment is compactly designed and provides sufficient space for inboard maintenance as well as flexibility of hull design and easy installation work at the shipyard,” Mr Sugimura said.
As for the third ‘E’, Mr Sugimura said high-quality fluororubber material had been used for the propeller shaft seals to extend their usable lifetimes and reduce the risk of ocean pollution via oil leakages to maintain compliance with the US EPA’s Vessel General Permit 2013 requirements. Optional monitoring of the propeller shaft and steering seal is also available as an option.
Azimuth thrusters are often used on tugboats, supply boats, drillships and cable layers for their mannoeuvrability. The 2.2 m Rexpeller thruster rotates 360 degrees on a horizontal axis, functioning as both propulsor and rotor and using 1,471kW of input power.
Sources:mpropulsion
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