Finnish propulsion giant Wärtsilä has introduced the latest addition to its thruster product portfolio, the Wärtsilä WST-14 steerable thruster, using azimuthing propeller technology. It is aimed primarily at inland waterway cargo vessel applications.

The new Wärtsilä WST-14 thruster

The new Wärtsilä WST-14 thruster

Wärtsilä says the new thruster will provide increased reliability and efficiency, while also lowering costs. Among the many innovations incorporated into the WST-14 are its space-saving compact design, an integrated slipping clutch that provides a cost competitive solution for manoeuvring when combined with a fixed pitch (FP) propeller, and the ability to maintain and service the propeller shaft and steering seals without requiring a complete overhaul of the thruster. It has a straightforward, reliable design and is ice-class rated.

Combining the 6-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 20 engine with the WST-14 thruster creates a solution package for the specific demands of river and inland waterway operation. It also suits other marine applications, such as tugs, where manoeuvring in harbours and/or ice conditions is required. Compared to conventional fixed pitch (FP) and controllable pitch (CP) propeller drive line solutions, the WST-14 thruster enables a greater load capacity for the vessel. This offers increased revenues for the owner/operator since more cargo can be transported.

"This project began two years ago and we are delighted to announce that the WST-14 is now available to the market. This introduction fills a particular need in the inland waterway vessel sector, and it is already attracting interest from owners and yards in Asia, Europe and America. Wärtsilä is now able to offer a complete and highly efficient propulsion package for this specific market," says Arto Lehtinen, Vice President, Propulsion, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

The WST-14 was launched at the Neva exhibition held in St.Petersburg, Russia in September 2015.

By Jake Frith