Page 32: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (June 2024)

WATERJETS, THRUSTERS, PODS

PROPULSION FOR

WORKING VESSELS ropulsion systems for working vessels come in many shapes and sizes, and vessel owners looking to build new or re? t have no shortage of options to choose from, whether their goals are high power, high ef? ciency or high

Pspeed (or a combination of each). Maritime Reporter & Engineering News explores latest advancements in this space, from new tech to new builds.

High Thrust Jets

In June, Marine Jet Power (MJP) unveiled the latest iteration of its X-Series waterjets: the X-HT (pictured left), tailored for vessels that require high thrust at low- to medium-speed applications (up to 35 knots) such as offshore wind crew transfer vessels (CTV), which require precise maneuvering and consistent power.

“CTV operators prioritize high static thrust for safe and ef? cient crew trans- fers,” said Robert Magnusson, MJP Global Sales Director. “This trend has led to a rise in propeller selection in recent years. However, with the introduction of our new MJP X-HT Series, we can now match the performance of the best pro- peller systems in static thrust, while still delivering the numerous advantages that waterjets offer.” Currently available in three sizes, the 280 X-HT, 310 X-HT and 350 X-HT, with maximum power ratings of 611 kW, 800 kW and 1000 kW re- spectively, the X-HT waterjet has applications in other segments of the workboat sector as well, including passenger ferries, patrol boats and other utility vessels.

The X-HT series’ compact design allows larger diameter jets to be installed in narrower hulls, optimizing performance and maximizing thrust without compro- mising space or requiring extensive modi? cations to the vessel’s structure. Ad- ditionally, the lower-input power capability of the X-HT ensures it remains light- weight and cost-effective to operate, unlocking fuel and emissions reductions.

Jonas Tegström, CEO of MJP, said, “The X-HT combines our cutting-edge

Image: Marine Jet Power technology with practical enhancements that meet the evolving needs of our cus- tomers, particularly in the wind farm sector, providing superior ef? ciency and thrust in a compact, economic package.”

HamiltonJet late last year debuted the compact and lightweight HJ215 wa- terjet, built for greater ef? ciency at high speeds, making it a great ? t for thrill- seeking tourist crafts, search and rescue vessels and other marine sectors. “This model will appeal to a broader global market, where we know its power and ef? - ciency can deliver real and meaningful returns for our customers,” said Hamilton-

Jet CEO, Ben Reed.The HJ215 has been designed for close coupling to the engine near the transom, maximizing usable space within the boat, and it will drop into an existing HJ213 hull space with no required modi? cations. The new factory-made

TURBO II impeller option offers superior performance where acceleration and high thrust in aerated water are important. The factory manufactured

Trim Nozzle with electric actuation con? guration delivers faster accelera- tion from the start and allows adjustment of the boat trim on the go.

The latest in a new range of hydrodynamically optimized waterjets from Castoldi, the Turbodrive 400 HCT, has been 12 years in the mak- ing, according to the company’s owner, Giacomo Castoldi, who said tech advancements have unlocked signi? cant operational bene? ts. “Thanks to the 32 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • June 2024