Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a contract by Norwegian shipbuilder Vard for the supply a large package of permanent magnet (PM) thrusters for installation on two new windfarm maintenance vessels.
The construction service operations vessels (CSOV) are to be built for Rem Offshore.
The scope of delivery includes PM azimuth thrusters, together with PM tunnel thrusters and a retractable azimuth thruster. The thrusters can be controlled by a single operator via Kongsberg's proprietary bridge management solution, which combines dynamic positioning and manoeuvring functionality in an integrated, joystick-driven system.
PM thrusters differ from conventional thrusters in that the propeller blades are not driven directly with a motor and shaft. Instead, an electromagnetic field generates rotation around the outer edge of the propeller blades.
The rotational force (torque) is produced by a compact and efficient PM motor integrated around the outer diameter of the propeller.
The system permits direct drive to the propeller, with no gears required, yielding a fast response time with the least possible energy use. This rapid power delivery helps the control systems reduce vessel movements at sea.
PM thrusters are also quiet compared to traditional thrusters, do not require an external cooling system, and take up less space.
The CSOVs will be designed and built by Vard Group, with the first scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2023.
The yard has an option to build two more vessels of the same design.