Kongsberg Maritime Expands Rim Drive Azimuth Thruster with New RD-AZ-2300

(By: Kongsberg Maritime)

Kongsberg Maritime, a global leader in maritime technology, today announced the launch of its new rim-drive azimuth thruster, the RD-AZ-2300. This latest addition to the company’s range of electric propulsion solutions fills a gap in the market, offering a powerful and efficient thruster for a wider variety of vessels.

The RD-AZ-2300, with a propeller diameter of 2300 mm, fits perfectly between the existing RD-AZ-1900 and RD-AZ-2600 models, offering vessel owners and operators greater flexibility in selecting the right thruster for their specific needs.

The RD-AZ-2300 is ideally suited for vessels operating in demanding environments such as offshore wind farms, where precise manoeuvrability and low noise levels are essential. In line with DNV’s Silent R classification, the RD-AZ-2300 also offers significant benefits to underwater research vessels by reducing underwater radiated noise (URN) below sea level, benefiting marine ecosystems and improving onboard comfort for crew and passengers.

The thruster’s robust design and high output torque enable it to cope with the demanding conditions often encountered in these operations. Rim Drive Azimuth thrusters contribute significantly to minimizing environmental impact, both above and below sea level.

“We are delighted to launch the RD-AZ-2300 to the market,” said Anton Westerlund, Vice President Product Management, Propulsion 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 maneuverability, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of vessel types.”

Kongsberg Maritime has long been a pioneer in electric propulsion technology. The company’s Rim-drive azimuth thrusters are renowned for their compact design, high efficiency and low environmental impact. By eliminating the need for traditional gearboxes and shaft lines, these thrusters reduce noise and vibration, while improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

Visitors to the Kongsberg Maritime stand at the upcoming ONS show, which will be held in Stavanger from 26 to 29 August 2024, will have the opportunity to learn more about this exciting new product and see a larger RD-AZ-2600 thruster on display.