Azimuth thruster
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Azimuth thrusters are an electrically-based method of propulsion for ships. The thruster is located in a 'pod' underneath the ship, and can be rotated in any direction. In this design a conventional rudder is not needed.
Azimuth thrusters are said to give ships better maneuverability than a propeller and rudder system. Further advantages include increased electrical efficiency, better use of ship space and lower maintenance costs.
Also, because of their increased maneuverability, vessels with azimuth thrusters may dispense with services of tugs while docking.
The energy used to drive the motor in the pod is produced by machinery inside the vessel, usually by diesel engines or gas turbines which drive electric generators, in a system comparable to that used by diesel-electric locomotives.
External links
- A description of Azimuth Thrusters (http://www.rolls-royce.com/marine/product/propulsion/azimuth/default.jsp)
- A Google Answers thread on ship propulsion (http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=186174)
- ABB: This company claims it introduced the first azimuthing podded propulsor systems (http://www.abb.com/global/abbzh/abbzh251.nsf!OpenDatabase&db=/GLOBAL/seitp/seitp161.nsf&v=17E96&e=us&m=100A&c=F061D79CE14FC002C1256BFA0051BB3A)Template:Water-stub