ZF in Yachts

Yacht owners are in more and more ports around the world faced with strict regulations to reduce emissions or even bans on ships with combustion engines. To meet these regulations, ZF's hybrid transmissions enable electric operation without fuel consumption. This results in zero local emissions and minimal noise and allows yachts to maneuver and stay in regions where vessels with combustion engines are not allowed to pass. Compared to marine diesel, the ZF hyrid technology not only protects the environment, but also saves fuel consumption and therefore money.

The hybrid transmissions of ZF are characterized by maximum efficiency, reliability and space-saving design.

ZF offers a wide range of thrusters with various types of thrusters. The range starts with a power from 50 kW up to 2,500 kW and can be applied as main and auxiliary propulsion, including Dynamic Position (DP)

Thrusters of ZF provide a reliable, comfortable and high-quality propulsion solution that is extremely suitable for all kind of vessel types. With the ZF gearbox knowledge the thruster range is one of the most efficient propulsion solutions available in the market.​ All thrusters are available as L and Z drive and compatible with all engine types.

To reduce emissions the ZF WM azimuth thruster can be executed as Hybrid for main propulsion applications.​

Check for more details and options the ZF Thruster products: Yacht -> Thruster

Based on the SmartCommand platform, SteerCommand brings to marine the most advanced steer-by-wire technology for unparalleled performance and greatest ease of installation. Traditional bulky hydraulic steering systems with their plumbing and many liters of fluid are now replaced with simple electronic harnesses. The vessel control experience is also significantly improved. Steering feel at the helm is more precise, and ZF Marine’s patented force feedback system, offers rudder feel at the helm. Individual rudder controls offer increased maneuverability by allowing each rudder to move independently. Safety is our primary concern and as such SteerCommand has double redundancy built in. Because SteerCommand is tied to the SmartCommand control system, it can operate through either main processor. Also, if complete vessel power is lost, the rudders can still be actuated manually.

ZF design strategy is a holistic approach to the propulsion system. We don’t only make propellers, we analyse entire propulsion system of each boat starting from hull resistance prediction and hull propulsive factors. We select most efficient gear ratio, recommend changes if needed and analyse flow in every point under the hull using the most advanced CFD tools developed specifically to our requirements. This approach gives us the widest picture of possibilities we can use to run your boat more efficiently, quietly and fast or to any other specific, most demanding requirements