ZF Marine SMM launch

Unveiled at this year’s SMM Exhibition, taking place in Hamburg this week, the W10000 transmission has been specifically designed in repsonse to customer demand and for the offshore and tugboat markets.

“André Körner, head of product line, commercial and fast craft, told Maritime Journal: “We get customer requests based on certain power, applications and accessories and we have now taken the position to develop this new series to really fulfill this demand.”

The W10000 is rated to 2,610kw (3,500hp) at 2,100rpm and available with ratios from 2.0:1 up to 7.9:1 – a feature also driven by customer demand for deeper ratios. This latest transmission can also be ordered in reversing, non-reversing and hybrid-ready (PTI) versions.

“We are striving to have the right product and the perfect match to our customers’ engines, their applications, to their propeller and to their speed,” added Mr Körner.

ZF’s new transmission also incorporates an integrated shaft brake, a 1,000kw (1,340hp) Top PTO and has a number of accessories including ZF Autoroll, available for various applications and vessels with dynamic positioning requirements, while, its compact design is said to increase power density.

The comany says these latest product enhance its new range of ToughGear series transmissions, which have been designed to withstand the most rigorous duties in the most challenging environments.

“For many years, ZF has been supplying transmissions to the workboat market,” said Mr Körner. “We see that people will repower vessels, yet the ZF transmission remains in place dutifully turning engine power into thrust, many times operating in seriously challengin environments. It was time for ZF to give our ‘W’ series transmission the recognition they deserve.”

In addition, the company is extending its range of hybrid-ready transmissions, with the introduction of the ZF 3300 PTI, which was also launched at SMM 2014.

Designed to be powered through standard diesel engine input, or via alternate power source through a PTI, the new transmission is suitable for all types of high speed commercial applications. Rated up to 1,940kw (2,600hp) at 2,450rpm offering a wide range of basic ratios from 3.00 to 5.00, the transmission is also avaialable with a range of optional accessories, including top, live and pump PTO compatibility, as well as the optional trailing pumps.

Going forward, ZF says it hopes these latest additions to its portfolio will help propel it to the number one spot in the market.

By Rachael Doyle