Rolls-Royce has signed a contract for the delivery of 12 azimuthing thrusters to Sanmar Shipyard in Turkey, with an option for an additional 30 units, the company said in its press release.
The azimuth thrusters from Rolls-Royce, will provide propulsion for 6 tugboats rising to 21 if the option is exercised. Each tugboat has a bollard pull of 60 to 80 metric tons.
An azimuthing thruster is a propeller that can be rotated 360 degrees around its vertical axes, providing thrust in any direction. Rolls-Royce range of azimuth thrusters therefore offer superior manoeuvrability and is a well proven technology with a robust construction. They are manufactured at the company’s Rauma site in Finland.
Helge Gjerde, Rolls-Royce, President Commercial - Marine, said: “Sanmar Shipyard and Rolls-Royce have a long term relationship. This year we delivered our 150th thruster to Sanmar and the announcement of this further contract extends our long standing and continued cooperation.”
Cem Seven, Board Member of Sanmar, said: “We have accomplished world-class projects in the field of tugboat building and this year we will be breaking our construction record with a total of 25 craft. We would like to thank Rolls-Royce for their contribution to our success over many years.”
The contracted thrusters will be delivered during 2016, to be installed on vessels for European and Middle East tug operators. The deliveries from Rolls-Royce include a thruster control system.