| Rolls-Royce debuts permanent-magnet azimuth thrust |
| Rolls-Royce unveiled at Nor-shipping on 3 June an azimuth thruster featuring permanent-magnet (PM) technology. The group’s PM technology portfolio includes tunnel thrusters and a newly developed winch. Sea trials to evaluate the new thruster’s energy-saving potential took place on board Trondheim-based Gunnerus, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s (NTNU’s) research ship. During trials the pair of thrusters installed on the vessel demonstrated efficiency savings of 7-13% depending on ship speed, outperforming azimuth thrusters powered by a conventional diesel-electric system. “Following a programme of successful sea trials, which exceed our expectations in terms of efficiency, we are delighted to broaden our range of permanent-magnet technology with the launch of a new azimuth thruster,” said Helge Gjerde, Rolls-Royce senior vice-president for propulsion - commercial marine. “The sea trials are continuing but initial findings have significant implications for future ship sustainability in both the marine and offshore sectors as PM thrusters become a valuable supplement to traditional thruster technology.” Other benefits include more power through a propeller of the same diameter, reduced noise and vibration, and scope to remove and maintain PM thrusters without dry-docking. |