Retractable Azimuth Thruster
high
3 / 309 Modelle (Inspector)
Retractable azimuth thruster for DP vessels and special operations
4000h
Service Interval
5 yr
Class Survey
25 yr
Typical Lifetime
Typical Manufacturers
Wartsila
Schottel
Brunvoll
3 Hersteller · 3 Modelle
🏭
Brunvoll
1 ✓ 1 verifiziert⚙️
AR-63-LTC-1800
✓ verifiziert
1800 kW
· 1800.0 kW
· Seawater
· Electric Retractable Azimuth
Common Failures:
- • Retraction cylinder seal failure
- • Gear bearing wear
- • Thruster well corrosion
Service: Brunvoll azimuth retractable; inspect thruster well coating at drydock.
Spares: Brunvoll: Getriebeöl und Dichtungen an Bord. Lead time: 3-6 Wochen.
Pros
- Improved maneuverability in tight spaces
- Increased propulsion efficiency due to optimized thruster placement
- Reduced drag when thruster is retracted, enhancing vessel speed
- Enhanced control and precision during docking and undocking operations
- Potential for reduced fuel consumption due to optimized propulsion system
Cons
- Higher initial investment compared to fixed thruster systems
- Increased complexity requiring more sophisticated maintenance
- Potential for retraction cylinder seal failure and gear bearing wear
- Thruster well corrosion can be a significant maintenance issue if not properly addressed
- Requires regular inspection and maintenance to ensure optimal performance
Typical Vessels:
Cruise ShipsFerriesOffshore Supply VesselsLuxury Yachts
Certifications:
DNVABS
Decision Guide: Choose if: high maneuverability and propulsion efficiency are critical, and the vessel operates in tight spaces or requires precise control. Avoid if: budget constraints are a significant factor, or if the vessel's operational profile does not justify the complexity and cost of a retractable azimuth thruster.
Use Cases: Typically deployed on vessels that require high maneuverability and propulsion efficiency, such as cruise ships, ferries, and offshore supply vessels, where the ability to operate in tight spaces and maintain precise control is essential.
🏭
Schottel
1 ✓ 1 verifiziert⚙️
SRP 2020 FP
✓ verifiziert
2000 kW
· 2000.0 kW
· Seawater
Common Failures:
- • Lower gear unit oil leak
- • Azimuth drive failure
- • Propeller blade damage
- • Slewing bearing wear
Service: Schottel retractable; check lower unit oil for seawater contamination.
Spares: Schottel: Getriebeöl und Dichtungen an Bord. Lead time: 3-6 Wochen.
🏭
Wärtsilä
1 ✓ 1 verifiziert⚙️
WRT-250
✓ verifiziert
2500 kW
· 2500.0 kW
· Seawater
type_specs: {'Leistungsbereich WST': '700 kW bis 4900 kW', 'Leistungsbereich WTT': '400 kW bis 5500 kW', 'Leistungsbereich WST-R': '750 kW bis 6500 kW', 'Neigungswinkel (WST-R)': '8-Grad Propeller-Getriebe-Neigung für 15-20% höheren Schub', 'Drehbereich': '360° kontinuierliche Lenkung in horizontaler Ebene', 'Wartungsintervalle': '5-Jahres-Inspektionen, 10-Jahres-Überholungen oder nach 40.000-56.000 Betriebsstunden', 'Dichtungstechnologie': 'Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal (IWSS) - vollständig unter Wasser wartbar', 'Ölsystem': 'Integrierte Hydraulik mit Feinfiltration zur Lagerverlängerung'}
product_lines: ['WST - Steerable Thrusters (700-4900 kW)', 'WTT - Transverse/Tunnel Thrusters (400-5500 kW)', 'WST-R - Retractable Steerable Thrusters (750-6500 kW)', 'WST-E - Electric Steerable Thrusters (WST-18E embedded electric)', 'Underwater-Mountable Steerable Thrusters']
source: verified_megafleet_2026-06
needs_verification: False
datasheet_url: https://www.wartsila.com/marine/products/propulsors-and-gears/thrusters/wartsila-steerable-thrusters
Common Failures:
- • _hinweis
- • items
Service: Wartsila retractable; test retraction/deployment mechanism regularly.
Spares: Wärtsilä: Getriebeöl und Dichtungen an Bord. Lead time: 3-6 Wochen.