Page 43: of Marine News Magazine (May 2026)

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A portable azimuth thruster for barge or

Tech Feature pontoon propulsion.

Thrusters

An example of the special

Schottel Pumpjet.

Thrustmasters of Texas

Rim Drive Technology

An example of a single rim-type thruster for bow or stern mounting in a tunnel.

Schottel GmbH of the regular work tasks. manoeuvre a remote controlled uncrewed ? re boat or tug

While crewed operations of vessels is obligatory in with FiFi1-class ? re? ghting systems close-in without en- many operations, there are application that fall into the dangering crew members enhances its capabilities. The use categories of dull, dirty or dangerous. Perhaps an example of thrusters enables accurate positioning of the ? re ? ghting of dull operation might be single and double ended fer- vessel in relation to the burning ship and ensures its posi- ries plying back and forth between stations. Their essen- tion is maintained to counter the thrust of the ? re hoses. tial use of thrusters to aid safe and accurate positioning In 2024 Robosys successfully converted, a 30m Indian in most weather conditions greatly assists in maintaining Navy tug, equipped with twin ZF azimuth thrusters for a reliable ferry service. full unscrewed, remote piloting operation with full classi? -

The use of thruster equipped vessels on city canals to cation approval of the Indian Register of Shipping. collect garbage from waterside locations as well as clearing Although not essential for all operations, the addition of up ? oating rubbish and debris, could fall under the term thrusters to a vessel’s equipment makes docking simpler, of dirty applications. regardless of where the command is onboard or remote.

Many military and rescue services are regularly operat- In some cases by adding proximity sensors, docking can ing in potentially dangerous situations. Robosys recently be automated. participated in a US Army exercise with bridge-building The combination of thrusters and Autonomous Navi- vessels, equipping a VOYAGER AI system with full shore gation Systems offers improved vessel control contrib- remote control to remove all crew from the vessel. uting to a safer working environment. Reducing crew

In a different but also dangerous duty, ? ghting ship ? res levels in many applications will continue, while the use faces the double danger of the survival of the vessel, and of system improvements will ensure increased safety in burning cargoes can produce toxic fumes. Being able to this market.

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