Wärtsilä introduces the Wärtsilä WST-14 steerable thruster, aimed primarily at inland waterway cargo vessel applications.
Among the innovations incorporated into the WST-14 are its space-saving compact design, an integrated slipping clutch that provides a cost competitive solution for manoeuvring when combined with a fixed pitch (FP) propeller, and the ability to maintain and service the propeller shaft and steering seals without requiring a complete overhaul of the thruster. It has a straightforward, reliable design and is ice-class rated.
Apart from river and inland waterway operation, it also suits other marine applications, such as tugs, where manoeuvring in harbours and/or ice conditions is required. Compared to conventional fixed pitch (FP) and controllable pitch (CP) propeller drive line solutions, the WST-14 thruster enables a greater load capacity for the vessel.
Picture: The new Wärtsilä WST-14 thruster.
