Wärtsilä launches propulsion system for tugs & ferries

The package is a combination of Wärtsilä’s WST-E embedded electric steerable thruster and WST-R retractable thrusters, together with an updated remote propulsion control system featuring an enhanced user interface.

ProTouch brings more accuracy and reliability to dynamic positioning (DP) operations, Wärtsilä says.

The system features retractable thrusters with an 8-degree tilted propeller shaft that can also be offered as an option for the main steerable thruster, depending on vessel layout, Wärtsilä says.

“This significantly reduces losses in the interaction between the thrusters and hull, and between thrusters, thus delivering the highest effective thrust,” the company says. “The effective thrust is increased by up to 15 to 20% compared to non-tilted thrusters, meaning less installed power is needed for the same DP capability. This makes the unit more efficient, thereby reducing emissions and fuel consumption.”

It is vital for that the vessels these thrusters have been designed for have a rapid thrust response, and if the DP capability needs it, the main thrusters are prepared to deliver faster steering speed and power ramping to ensure a quick response.

“For offshore vessel operators, safe and reliable station keeping is essential,” said Lauri Tiainen, director of Thrusters & Propulsion Control Systems at Wärtsilä Marine. “With this optimised thruster and control solution, Wärtsilä offers a DP capability solution that meets all required standards with a marked improvement in efficiency. This saves time, reduces costs, and enables an important contribution to decarbonising vessel operations.”

The technology comprises three elements: the new Wärtsilä WST-E embedded electric steerable thruster, three new Wärtsilä WST-R retractable thrusters – WST-09R, WST-14R and WST-18R – and the updated Wärtsilä ProTouch Remote Propulsion Control System user interface.

Wärtsilä also has its transverse thrusters available for inclusion in the package.

The main thrusters have a compact design with an embedded electric motor in an L-drive configuration. This requires less space than regular L-drive thrusters, allowing these units to be fitted below a working or car deck.

More generally, the new units fit into a space where typically Z-drive thrusters have been used. With the new WST-E solution, energy efficiency is enhanced, and the system is simplified.