Marine Propulsion Systems News

RAD Propulsion, a leader in electric marine propulsion systems, announced the expansion of its international dealer network with new strategic partnerships in the Netherlands, India and Japan. Energyboats will serve as RAD's official dealer in the Netherlands, focusing specifically on the Benelux region. Energyboats specializes exclusively in 100 percent electrically powered boats and works only with manufacturers that take the electric motor as their starting point. "In our view…

Ballard Power Systems announced the signing of a new purchase order for the supply of 6.4 MW of fuel cell engines to eCap Marine GmbH, a expert in emission free power, for deployment on two vessels by Samskip, one of the largest multimodal European operators specializing in short sea, rail, road and barge services.The 32 FCwave-200 kW engines will be integrated into green marine propulsion systems by eCap Marine and power two vessels in Samskip’s fleet to decarbonize routes between Norway and the Netherlands. The order continues Ballard’s collaboration with eCap Marine which started in 2021.

German propulsion specialist SCHOTTEL and the Polish company Bota Technik have signed a cooperation agreement in the areas of after sales service and new sales with effect from January 1, 2025. On this date, Bota will take over the new sales business in Poland from SCHOTTEL’s long-standing agent P.H.U. Afra, while it is mutually expected that Bota's after sales service for SCHOTTEL products will start earlier. Bota Technik provides technical service and support for marine propulsion systems, from engines to gearboxes, shafts and propellers.

SCHOTTEL is to equip six new ASD tugs of the Turkish Med Marine Group with the SCHOTTEL RudderPropeller (SRP). The new vessels will be built by Med Marine’s Ereğli Shipyard and will be available in 2025 to meet the constantly growing demand for Med Marine tugs. A total of 12 SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers in the SRP 360, SRP 430 and SRP 490 series will be built for the new vessels by the German manufacturer of marine propulsion systems. The new tugs will cater for a range of different bollard pull requirements in the 50-…

Danfoss Power Solutions’ Editron division has been chosen by the Pacific Power Group and Seattle shipbuilder Snow & Company to provide the drivetrain system powering the U.S. Department of Energy’s first hybrid-electric research vessel. Due to enter operation in February 2023, the vessel will be used by PNNL-Sequim.The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a research center specializing in research advancing sustainable energy through decarbonization and energy storage.

ZF is unveiling the hybrid version of its ZF AT 80 thruster system at this year’s SMM marine trade convention as the company aims to electrify its broad portfolio of marine technology. The hybrid solution is suitable for a wide range of professional vessel types with a performance range of approximately 900 kW to 1.600 kW.“Providing green driveline solutions is a core goal and competence across our whole group, from automotive to marine technology and everything in between. The new hybrid AT 80 thruster closes the performance gap in more sustainable propulsion for a wide array of vessels…

Thrustmaster of Texas on Tuesday announced it has been awarded a contract to overhaul the thrusters for the U.S. Coast Guard’s 175-foot WLM vessels.The multiyear contract, awarded by the U.S. Coast Guard Surface Force Logistics Center (SFLC), will see Thrustmaster fully overhaul to a like-new status the primary propulsion system for these icebreaker/buoy and construction tenders.This effort will allow the Coast Guard to continue to support the important missions of these vessels for years to come. This contract will be executed at Thrustmaster’s 300,000 sq.ft.

At Seawork 2022 British diesel technology innovator Cox Marine will showcase its CXO300 diesel outboard with demos available on a Cox-powered RIB, and it will present too insights on the development of its next-gen hydrogen-based marine propulsion systems.James Eatwell, Head of Research and Development, Cox Marine, will present at Get Set to Workboat 2050 on behalf of SHAPE UK as part of a line-up of expert speakers in a session entitled ‘Hydrogen & Clean Growth Opportunities’.Cox Marine is partnering with SHAPE UK (Shipping…

Ocean Infinity won The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, enabling it and its partners to build a Marine Propulsion Test facility, with an integrated Ammonia Marine Propulsion System (AMPS). The test facility is intended to demonstrate clean-fueled technology eventually capable of powering Ocean Infinity’s Armada fleet, using an innovative ammonia based fuel cell system.“Winning The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition is a significant step forward in the delivery of a zero emissions marine propulsion system," said Dan Hook, Ocean Infinity’s CTO.

Mercury Marine, the marine propulsion systems division of Brunswick Corporation, announced multiple job moves and promotions within its global leadership team, effective immediately.Will Sangster is promoted to President, Mercury EMEA. Sangster has been General Manager of ANZP since 2014 and added responsibility for the Asia region in 2019. Under his leadership, Mercury APAC has continued to grow revenue and market share. Sangster will relocate to Mercury’s European headquarters in Petit-Rechain…

U.K.-based equipment and engines manufacturer Rolls-Royce said it has received U.S. EPA Tier 4 certification for its mtu propulsion systems based on its Series 4000 M65L 16-cylinder diesel engines.EPA Tier 4 regulations are considered the most stringent emissions standard for marine applications, requiring the propulsion system to have very low particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions throughout its lifecycle."This means we have climbed to the king's class of emissions regulations with our engines for yachts and commercial vessels…

Classification society ABS informs it has granted approval in principle (AIP) to solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology developed by South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. (DSME).Granting of AIP follows two joint development projects between ABS and DSME, the latest to develop SOFC technology to replace at least one of three diesel generators typically on board a very large crude carrier (VLCC).ABS said it is now working with DSME on future research…

Rolls-Royce has acquired Servowatch Systems, a UK-based international supplier of integrated marine automation solutions for navies, commercial vessels and large yachts.Representatives of Rolls-Royce's Power Systems business unit and the company’s previous owner, the Indian engineering, procurement and construction projects, manufacturing, defense and services group Larsen & Toubro, signed the contracts Wednesday. Commercial terms were not disclosed."Servowatch's modern and sophisticated…

YANMAR Marine International is launching a new Vessel Control System delivering the advanced functionality, modern design and easy installation suited to evolve alongside its latest electronically controlled engines in the years ahead.Featuring simplified electrical management, a high-quality appearance, and significant functional improvements, the next generation YANMAR VC20 Vessel Control System integrates with YANMAR’s complete line up of common rail engine series, transmissions, controls and displays.The VC20 has been developed for single, twin and triple engine installations.

New Zealand companies HamiltonJet and EV Maritime have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build advanced composite, battery-powered commuter ferries.Their cooperation was formalized at HamiltonJet’s Christchurch headquarters in May, in the presence of Hon Dr Megan Woods, New Zealand’s Minister of Energy & Resources and Minister of Research Science & Innovation.With the aim of decarbonizing the harbor cities of the world, the firms are seeking to develop one of the world’s first truly high-speed…

Marine propulsion systems manufacturer Schottel introduced its new M-series azimuth thrusters, consisting of several medium-sized rudder propeller sizes covering a power range of 400 to 1,000 kW. The series' first propulsion units have recently been delivered and will soon be put into operation.With the M-series, Schottel says it aims to meet new challenges such as shifted engine power classes, updated ice class rules and an ever-increasing number of electric or hybrid-driven vessels.

Azimuth propulsion expert Steerprop said it has merged sales and project management with the appointment of Juho Rekola as the company's new Director Sales and Project Management, effective from June 1, 2020.Rekola has been with Steerprop since 2017, and has a deep knowledge of company’s products and solutions. Rekola joined Steerprop from Alfa Laval, where he worked years in various responsible positions and was involved in international marine projects and R&D. In Steerprop and in his recent position at Alfa Laval…

This week marked the start of new leadership at Chesapeake-based Fincantieri Marine Systems North America, as Ryan W. Smith assumed the position as CEO for the company.Smith brings over 15 years of experience in program management and engineering roles with Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems, as well as project management and lifecycle consulting services for major defense contractors and ship repair organizations focusing primarily on support of U.S. Navy programs. Smith brings…

Marine propulsion systems company ZF has introduced an intelligent Condition Monitoring System for thrusters. The technology monitors the status of the thruster system and helps shipyards, shipping companies and fleet operators maintain the safety and efficiency of their ships as well as extend the service life of the propulsion system. In addition to that, a new oil cleaning system ensures oil quality and prolongs oil service life.ZF’s Condition Monitoring System is equipped with various sensors and an intelligent electronic evaluation unit.

ZF Marine Propulsion Systems Miramar, LLC announced that Drew Orvieto has been promoted to the position of Senior Manager, Commercial Fast Craft and Engineering – North America. Orvieto, a 4+ year member of the ZF team first worked with the company as an intern in 2011.Orvieto returned to ZF in 2015 after completing a Master’s degree in engineering, followed by a period as a naval architect at a large American boat builder. Upon his return to ZF, Orvieto took a position as naval architect…

Norwegian-Canadian marine propulsion energy storage solutions provider Corvus Energy has opened its a new battery manufacturing facility in Bergen, Norway. The automated factory is equipped with a digitized production line based on nine robotic stations and has the capacity of up to 400 MWh per year.“There is an electric revolution going on in the maritime sector, and we want to deliver the best solutions in the industry," said Geir Bjørkeli, CEO, Corvus Energy. "The Corvus team in Vancouver developed the groundbreaking battery solution that accelerated adoption of zero-emission and hybrid marine propulsion systems, particularly in Norway.

Corvus Energy, the Norwegian-Canadian designer and manufacturer of energy storage solutions for marine propulsion and electrical systems opens  a new automated battery factory in Bergen, Norway to meet demand.“There is an electric revolution going on in the maritime sector, and we want to deliver the best solutions in the industry,” said Geir Bjørkeli, CEO of Corvus Energy.“The Corvus team in Vancouver developed the groundbreaking battery solution that accelerated adoption of zero-emission and hybrid marine propulsion systems, particularly in Norway. With so many of our customers and partners in Norway, it only made sense to add production capacity here, which gives us flexibility and will speed deliveries.

Norwegian Coast Guard ship KV Svalbard is the first vessel powered by an ABB Azipod propulsion system to reach the North Pole.The ship is equipped with twin 5MW Azipod icebreaking units which enabled it to sail through polar ice at speeds of up to 6 to 7 knots when it took part in an international scientific expedition, the Coordinated Arctic Acoustic Thermometry Experiment led by Norwegian research foundation The Nansen Center.The Azipod electric propulsion system is designed to make s ships highly maneuverable…