By
Laura Hyde |
Marine technology company Kongsberg Maritime has unveiled its new Rim-drive azimuth thruster, the RD-AZ-2300 at ONS exhibition in Stavanger, Norway.
The RD-AZ-2300 is the latest addition to the company’s range of electric propulsion solutions. With a propeller diameter of 2300 millimetres, the RD-AZ-2300 sits between the existing RD-AZ-1900 and RD-AZ-2600 models, which Kongsberg identified as “a gap in the market”.
The Rim-drive azimuth thrusters do not feature gearboxes or traditional shaft lines, which, according to Kongsberg Maritime, helps to reduce underwater noise and vibrations, as well as improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
The new RD-AZ-2300 has been designed to be durable enough to handle demanding sea conditions, providing a high torque output for precise manoeuvrability. It has achieved Silent-E notation from classification society DNV, the first of its kind to receive this certification.
“We are excited to introduce the RD-AZ-2300 to the market,” said Anton Westerlund, vice president of product management, thruster systems at Kongsberg Maritime. “This new thruster size further strengthens our position as a leading provider of electric propulsion solutions. The RD-AZ series offers exceptional performance, efficiency, and manoeuvrability, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of vessel types.”
Kongsberg Maritime’s RD-AZ-2300 thruster demonstrated exceptional performance in reducing underwater noise pollution during a recent trial