Tunnel Thrusters

Global Marine Engineering BV, based in Heijningen-Holland, is a very experienced technical company with a history of over 25 years and active in manufacturing drive systems, clutches and gearboxes for industrial and marine applications. Since 1990 they developed bow thrusters for pleasure craft and commercial craft markets.

The existing performance range is from 20kW - 1300kW with fixed Kaplan type propellers running in steel, aluminium or FRP tunnel structures for both bow and stern thrusters. The units are built according the requirements of all major marine societies such as ABS, BV, DNV, GL and LRS and available with Class certificate.

All above thrusters can be diesel engine driven, hydraulic motor driven or E-motor driven. The E-motor driven are then completed with sophisticated frequency converters and proportional joystick panels.

The philosophy of anticipating customer needs has resulted in innovative solutions that confirms GME's stable position as a manufacturer of highly reliable bow- and stern thrusters and continue to enhance their national an international reputation for superior quality.

The GME transverse tunnel thruster is the tool to improve the manoeuvrability of ships of all sizes. By generating a direct lateral thrust the ship remains always controllable , especially at low speeds.

An optimum of manoeuvring quality is achieved if a GME-Thruster is also installed at the ships stern. A ship with twin-thrusters can turn on the spot and can be pushed off or go alongside squarely abeam.

Quality:

The GME Thruster is built in seawater resistant bronze or Nibral for aluminium boats. The larger versions, over 70 kW, are built from nodular cast iron housing and equipped with oversized shafts, bearings and gear-sets.

From 20 kW the gear tooth profile is cut according Klingelnberg Cyclo-palloid method and hardened. Finishing of gears is with HPG cutting according to DIN 3965 Class 6/ AGMA Class 10-12, assuring very smooth running and high efficiency.

The versatile GME thruster accepts either horizontal or vertical drive applications, which optimises prime mover location and ensures economical, space-saving installation.

GME thrusters are directly coupled to the drive of the prime mover, with power transmitted via a single pair of bevel gears to the propeller. Thrust direction is reversed through an intermediate reverse gear on diesel applications, or by reversing electric or hydraulic motor direction.

Design philosophy

• High efficiency with the smallest possible tunnel diameter
• Easy manoeuvring with dynamic power control
• Heavy duty bearings and gears
• Easy maintenance

Propeller design

The standard Kaplan propellers are designed for optimum thrust efficiency. The large blade area and shape of the blades keep the cavitation volume low to minimize noise and achieve optimum comfort levels inside the boat.

Seals

High quality seals are fitted to the propeller shaft and pinion shaft to prevent water ingress and oil leakage. All seals can be replaced without dismantling the complete thruster unit.

Bearings and gears

The bearings have a design life of a minimum of 30.000 hrs. Both drive and propeller shafts are supported in tapered roller and thrust bearings. The gears are of Klingelnberg Cyclo-palloid HPG SP design. The teeth are case hardened and fine machined. The gears satisfy DIN 3965, Class 6.

Oil lubrication

The lubrication system consists of a header tank placed above the waterline to obtain overpressure in the system. From 90kW the oil system is provided with a manual pump for oil change of the system without docking.

Control system

The control system has been specially developed to satisfy all Class requirements and meet demands of modern ship owners. Being of modular design , the control system can easily be updated from an easily simple set-up to a full joystick system with a VDR or DP interface.

Tunnels

The aluminium, mild steel or FRP tunnel section are reinforced and can be welded or laminated directly into the hull. For steel hulls, a stainless steel liner (optional) is welded into the tunnel area of the propeller to prevent localised erosion. We can provide specialist advice about tunnel location and entrance port design.

Service

The thrusters are manufactured to the highest standards and have been designed for maximum durability and reliability. Technical support is available from a team of professional service engineers in the unlikely event of a breakdown and the well-equipped workshops can make or ship out most parts to any destination in the world within 24 hours.

* Power rating subject to classification