The EPS Thruster faced stiff competition for the prize from 14 other entries. In its report, the expert jury commended Van der Velden Marine Systems for the way in which it created an innovation consortium with other companies and institutes to develop the product, thus enriching its own knowledge from third party sources.

The EPS Thruster is now available in inner diameters of 450, 500, 650, 800 and 1050mm and 12 power ratings ranging from 22 to 295 kW. A compact retractable version is available and a fully retractable system is being developed.

Vertically adjustable propellers based on the EPS could offer advantages for vessels operating in shallow waters, allowing the propellers of inland and coastal vessels to stay fully submerged regardless of load. An azimuthing version will also be released soon.

The Jacona Prins, an oyster dredger built by Damen Shipyards Group member Masskant Bruinesse BV, won the Dutch KNVTS Ship of the Year Award. The vessel features a number of innovations, including all diesel electric operation and a newly developed fishing system with which the entire process from catching oysters to distribution into the holds can be controlled from the wheelhouse by one person.

MJ Information No: 22530