Hybrid Thrusters

The hybrid drive is available as an azimuth thruster and is based on the ZF AT series. The result is an efficient azimuth thruster combined with hybrid technology. ZF uses an electric motor integrated via the upper gearbox’s Power-Take-In (PTI), with performance tailored to the specific vessel type and application. This enables electric sailing and maneuvering, which can be particularly beneficial in ports or waterways with strict noise or emission requirements. The electric drive can also be used as an additional power source, for example when additional thrust is required. For firefighting applications, the hybrid configuration can eliminate the need for a more expensive controllable pitch propeller (CPP). In this setup, the diesel engine and electric motor can separately drive the firefighting pump and the thruster. Depending on the configuration, seal arrangements for applications requiring environmentally acceptable lubricants (EAL) are available. In an L-drive configuration, such as a retractable or tunnel thruster, AT thrusters are also available as fully electrically driven solutions. Additional features such as an integrated brake or a Power Take-Off (PTO) are available for a variety of applications. Of course, the hybrid thruster also offers all the benefits of its conventionally powered counterpart.