A fixed-pitch bow thruster represents a well-established technology for augmenting vessel maneuverability, particularly in low-speed operations and docking scenarios. It offers a cost-effective solution by employing propellers with blades fixed at a pre-determined optimal angle.
A fixed-pitch bow thruster is usually driven by a variable-frequency electric motor. Unlike controllable-pitch bow thrusters, which allow the adjustment of propeller blade pitch for variable thrust, an electric-driven fixed-pitch bow thruster controls thrust and direction by adjusting the frequency and phase of the electric motor through a frequency converter. Increasing the motor speed results in higher thrust, and decreasing it reduces thrust.
Bow thruster is a tunnel thruster / lateral thruster/side thruster which is installed in the bow of a ship. People also call it stern thruster when they install it on the stern of a ship. This equipment is widely applied in a ship that needs high maneuverability and dynamic positioning.
Features
An electric motor or a diesel engine can drive the bow thruster.
The propeller diameter is from 350 mm up to 3300 mm.
The input power is up to 3500 kW.
Zinc anodes with a service lifetime of 3 years.
Application
You can find a fixed-pitch bow thruster in a ship that needs high maneuverability and dynamic positioning, such as a transportation vessel, tug boat, RO/RO ship, ocean engineering vessel, cargo liner, etc.
Specification
