Kongsberg Maritime introduces underwater mountable thrusters with permanent magnet motor

Kongsberg Maritime has introduced a new size of underwater mountable azimuth thruster with a 3.7-meter propeller and 4.2-megawatt power output model joining the range.

The new thrusters are said to be suitable for a range of vessels including drillships, windfarm vessels and production vessels. The UUC PM 355 features a permanent magnet (PM) motor, delivering 81 tons of bollard pull.

Kongsberg Maritime says that the UUC PM 355 has a compact design with less space required in the machine room thanks to the integrated PM motor. The company added that the new underwater mountable thrusters can be exchanged without the need for drydocking, while the vessel remains in the water. Installation of the UUC range can be done at depths up to 50 meters.

Other features of the new thruster included low noise operation, less lubricating oil volume and no oil-to-sea interfaces, a key component in environmental protection, says Kongsberg Maritime.