Kongsberg Maritime is celebrating a significant milestone, marking ten years since the launch of its innovative rim-drive permanent magnet thruster technology.
This anniversary coincides with the achievement of nearly 100 orders for this advanced propulsion solution. Initially tested on the anchor handling vessel Olympic Octopus, the first rim-drive azimuth thruster was debuted in 2015 on the Norwegian research vessel RV Gunnerus, signifying a major advancement in marine propulsion.
Versatile applications and configurations
The technology has since evolved into a versatile offering, available in tunnel (RD-TT) and azimuth (RD-AZ) configurations. It serves a wide range of vessel types, including offshore support vessels, cruise ships, and platforms requiring dynamic positioning capabilities.
These rim-drive thrusters are known for their high-efficiency and low-noise operation, driven by a direct electric drive with a permanent magnet motor integrated into the propeller rim.
This design innovation avoids the need for a vertical drive shaft and gearbox, thereby reducing mechanical complexity and underwater radiated noise—an increasingly important factor for sustainable marine operations.
Enhanced features of the azimuth variant
Azimuth variant is fitted with hydrodynamically optimised keeping struts and a patented open-flow design
The azimuth (RD-AZ) variant is equipped with hydrodynamically optimised supporting struts and a patented open-flow design. This allows water to pass efficiently between the supports, minimising drag and enhancing manoeuvrability.
Per Håvard Siljan Hjukse, Executive Vice President Propulsion & Handling at Kongsberg Maritime, noted, "This milestone reflects our commitment to delivering future-ready propulsion solutions that support the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner, quieter, and more environmentally conscious operations."
Continued evolution and efficiency benefits
Gunnar Johnsen, Technology Manager at Kongsberg Maritime, highlighted the thruster's efficiency, stating, "In addition to the efficiency of the rim-drive technology, the thruster design eliminates the vertical drive shaft found in conventional designs. For the azimuth models, this allows for a unique strut configuration that improves water flow and reduces resistance. This patented feature gives less nozzle drag and improves operational performance."
The rim-drive thruster continues to develop in response to customer demands, maintaining its position as a proven, high-end technology.
