Finnish propulsion systems manufacturer, Steerprop, has expanded its retractable thruster line with the release of the SP 45 R, the company’s largest retractable thruster. Steerprop said in a press release that the unit is designed for offshore, renewables, and special-purpose vessels that require additional station-keeping or supplemental thrust.
The new thruster is part of the company’s R series. The company said the design addresses common failure points in retractable thrusters, including sealing systems and space requirements for lifting mechanisms.
According to the company, the SP 45 R includes a patent-pending seal system that aims to reduce downtime and maintenance. The seals can be serviced internally during operations and a floating housing keeps them in contact at high speeds and in varying sea states, Steerprop said. The company also highlighted a scraping solution built into the design will help mitigate marine growth on the stern tube, which can lead to seal damage if left neglected.
The thruster’s hydraulic locking and lifting system allows for full retraction beneath the main deck, eliminating the need for above-deck clearance. The company stated this allows operators to retain use of main deck space for vessel operations.
The SP 45 R uses a fixed-pitch propeller and is available with L-drive, permanent magnet, or induction electric motor configurations. Steerprop said it is compatible with various power setups and supports electric steering gear for integration with dynamic positioning systems. Power and propeller dimensions can be configured for applications requiring between 1,206 hp and 5,364 hp.
“As offshore vessels increasingly rely on dynamic positioning, retractable thrusters are becoming an essential element of high-performing vessel designs,” said Juha Rekola, director of sales and project development at Steerprop. “The SP 45 R works in conjunction with our main azimuth and tunnel thrusters to provide complete control in propulsion and station keeping.”
