Wärtsilä says its latest product introduction can offer operators of offshore vessels, ferries and tugs notably improved operational performance and greater efficiency.
The company’s high-performance thruster and propulsion control package uses 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, to bring higher accuracy and reliability to dynamic positioning (DP) operations.
The retractable thrusters feature an 8-degree tilted propeller shaft, which can be offered as an option for the main steerable thruster, depending on vessel layout. This is claimed to significantly reduce losses in the interaction between the thrusters and hull, and between thrusters, thus delivering the highest effective thrust. 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. In addition, as a rapid thrust response is of utmost importance for these vessel types, the main thrusters are prepared to deliver faster steering speed and power ramping to ensure a quick response, should the DP capability require it.
Lauri Tiainen, Director, Thrusters and Propulsion Control Systems, Wärtsilä Marine said: “For offshore vessel operators, safe and reliable station keeping is essential. 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.”
This introduction comprises three elements: the new Wärtsilä WST-E embedded electric steerable thruster, the introduction of 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. Additionally, Wärtsilä can provide transverse thrusters for inclusion in the package.
The main thrusters feature 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.
The three new Wärtsilä retractable thrusters are based on technology which has proven itself in the market in the already available, larger retractable thruster sizes. Wärtsilä claims a market leading position in providing thrusters with an 8-degree tilted gearbox technology, having introduced the concept in 2013.
Instead of multiple small displays, the updated Wärtsilä ProTouch Remote Propulsion Control System further simplifies and improves the concept, which was originally introduced in 2013. It does this by firstly streamlining the number of screens used, and secondly through the use of larger screens. This enhances the ease of use and improves the situational awareness for navigators and chiefs, as well as reduces the installation efforts for yards.
Image: Wärtsilä’s updated ProTouch Remote Propulsion Control System user interface (credit: Wärtsilä)
