Thrustmaster builds a complete line of Z-Drive azimuthing thrusters from 500 HP to 8,000 HP for the inland towboat industry specifically designed to endure the demanding conditions when operating in brown water. Using Z-drives on towboats results in substantially improved fuel efficiency, shorter trip times, decreased maintenance downtime and higher customer satisfaction when compared to traditional shaft and rudder installations.
Vastly improved maneuverability without rudders
A Z-drive replaces the propeller, shaft, stern tube, marine gear, rudder and steering gear all with a single unit. Z-Drive azimuthing thrusters provide maximum thrust in any direction, independent of vessel speed, offering superior pinpoint maneuverability under all conditions. Rudders are completely eliminated. Rudder drag no longer exists. Troublesome operations such as stopping while pushing a tow downstream are easy when piloting a towboat equipped with Z-Drives. It facilitates quick switching of barges and parallel parking. And all of this can be done with a lot less power. A 1,500 HP Z-drive boat can replace a 2,000 HP conventional towboat and a 3000 HP Z-drive boat can replace a 4,000 HP conventional towboat.
Safer, faster, using less fuel
Due to the greatly improved maneuverability with Z-drives, costly collisions
can be avoided. There is no longer any need to slow down in turns and bends in
the river. Trip times are reduced and require a lot less fuel. A study conducted
by The Shearer Group, Inc. showed an average of 28% fuel savings and 11%
trip time savings during a set of controlled experiments with unit tows when
using Z-Drives instead of conventional shafts and rudders.
2 окт 2024
