Gain total vessel control with full 360° rotation of the thruster unit. Move sideways, rotate on the spot and navigate with precision – even in tight harbours and demanding offshore conditions. Dynamic positioning, docking and fuel-efficient transits are made easier and safer.
Choose an azimuth thruster that fits your vessel and needs. Both Z-drive and L-drive configurations are available to fit different vessel designs and accommodate both engine and electric motors. The upper gear design also allows for hybrid installations where a mechanical combustion engine can be complemented by an electric booster motor. This configuration enables very high flexibility to optimize energy efficiency under varying operating conditions, resulting in the lowest possible fuel, energy, and maintenance costs. Every unit is engineered with hydrodynamic efficiency, mechanical robustness, and operational simplicity in mind.
An optimized and fully integrated nozzle, delivers both powerful bollard pull and excellent free-running efficiency. You get maximum thrust from the azimuth propulsion system when precise maneuvering is required, such as during towing or station-keeping, while also maintaining energy-efficient propulsion during transit.
Decades of experience, cutting-edge engineering and field testing results in a compact system that can be installed in a wide range of vessels. From tugboats and ferries to offshore supply vessels – these ship thrusters cover multiple applications. Advanced control interfaces and seamless integration with onboard automation gives you complete control in all conditions.
Long service intervals, easy access for maintenance, and durable components that withstand the toughest operating environments. Whether you’re in port maneuvers, shallow waters, or deep-sea station-keeping, you can count on reliable and responsive performance, day after day.
Engineered for optimal efficiency, precise control, and long-term reliability. Backed by decades of innovation and real-world performance.
With 360° rotatable thrust, vessels gain precise control in all directions. This eliminates the need for a rudder and enables seamless transitions between forward, reverse, and lateral movement. Azimuth thrusters, sometimes referred to as rudder propellers, deliver optimal handling for dynamic positioning, docking, and tight-space navigation.
Exceptional bollard pull and high thrust at low speeds from the azimuth propeller support tugboats, ferries, and offshore support vessels. Efficient power transmission ensures maximum performance when you need it most.
High-strength mechanical components are engineered for long-term, heavy-duty performance. A robust architecture aims to maximize uptime by reducing unplanned maintenance and operational disruptions, supporting better availability and stronger return on investment.
Advanced control systems for the azimuth drive provide performance monitoring, diagnostics, and integration with onboard automation. Intuitive interfaces simplify operation, while condition monitoring ensures proactive maintenance and operational safety.
Z-drive feature a horizontal input shaft and are suitable for engines and electric motors, offering a versatile solution with strong vertical compactness. L-drive, by contrast, always have a vertical input shaft, are designed for electric motors, and provide a more horizontally compact setup.
Optimized designs and efficient thrust output allow vessels to achieve desired performance with less engine power. This results in lower fuel usage, reduced emissions, and improved environmental sustainability across operations.
Video caption: Berg Propulsion’s azimuth thrusters are engineered to provide vessels with superior control, flexibility, and thrust performance. With full 360° rotation of the propeller pod, they deliver unmatched control, flexibility, and thrust performance. Allowing vessels to move sideways, rotate on the spot, and navigate with precision. Whether operating in tight harbors, maintaining position offshore, or optimizing for fuel-efficient transit, our thrusters are engineered to meet the demands of modern marine operations.
Every vessel is unique, and so are our azimuth thruster systems. We work closely with designers and shipowners to develop fully customized solutions that precisely meet the specific requirements of each project. Together, we create a configuration that optimizes your vessel’s performance and handling.
No matter the vessel type or operation, our goal is to deliver an azimuth thruster solution perfectly matched to your needs and vision.
Looking for a tailored solution? Contact us, and we’ll help you configure the optimal azimuth thruster system for your vessel.
Azimuth thrusters offer a modern alternative to traditional propulsion, combining exceptional maneuverability with improved fuel efficiency. Their ability to deliver thrust in any direction makes them ideal for vessels operating in tight or dynamic conditions, and increasingly popular across a wide range of maritime applications.
In narrow ports, canals, or crowded marine terminals, azimuth thrusters offer vessels the ability to pivot, rotate, and adjust heading instantly. This capability significantly reduces the time and space required for docking, turning, or repositioning.
By enabling optimal thrust direction and reducing unnecessary hydrodynamic drag, azimuth systems contribute to better fuel economy. Combined with intelligent power management, this helps operators lower operational costs without compromising performance.
Thanks to the integrated design and minimal use of external auxiliaries, installation is quick and straightforward. All key components are housed within the hull flange, enabling installation from below without disassembly. Easy access to service points also simplifies daily maintenance and shortens service time.
With lower fuel consumption, improved propulsion efficiency, and compatibility with electric and hybrid systems, azimuth thrusters support more sustainable vessel operations. Their precise control capabilities also reduce the need for excessive power use during maneuvering.
Instant and accurate steering responses improve navigational safety, especially in high-traffic or offshore environments. Integrated diagnostics and monitoring systems ensure the propulsion system remains in peak condition and alert crews to issues early.
Trusted across multiple vessel types:
For strong bollard pull, responsive maneuvering, and the ability to rotate on the spot.
For for efficient docking, reliable scheduling, and smooth passenger experience.
For maintaining precise position in dynamic positioning (DP) mode, enabling safe and efficient operations like drilling, unloading near offshore rigs, or supporting diving missions.
Photo credit: Matthijs Van der Laan.
Video caption: Azimuth thruster-driven tugboats offer excellent performance, increased efficiency and environmental benefits. Electric motors can provide instant torque, allowing tugs to respond quickly in critical situations or when precise movements are required. This capability improves safety and enhances operational efficiency.
An azimuth thruster is composed of several integrated components that work together to deliver powerful and precise propulsion. At its core are the propeller, gear transmission system, shafting, and the azimuth steering mechanism, all housed within a streamlined pod that can rotate 360° around a vertical axis. This full-circle steering capability removes the need for a rudder entirely, as the entire thruster unit turns to direct thrust exactly where it’s needed. The result is simpler, more responsive ship handling and reduced mechanical complexity. Onboard control systems and advanced monitoring technologies ensure precise steering and propulsion management at all times. Engineered for both precision and power, Berg’s azimuth units deliver high torque and efficient power transfer. Whether operating at low speeds for delicate maneuvers or under high loads for pushing and towing, the system provides smooth, stable, and reliable propulsion across a wide range of conditions.
Compared to traditional shaftline propulsion systems, which rely on a fixed propeller and a separate rudder for steering, azimuth thrusters offer significant advantages for modern maritime operations. While the conventional setup performs well in open-sea navigation, it often falls short in scenarios that demand high maneuverability and adaptability.
Azimuth thrusters provide full directional control without the need for a rudder or bow thrusters. Their simplified mechanical layout reduces the number of components, making maintenance easier and more cost-effective. The compact design also saves valuable space in the engine room, making installation more flexible across different vessel types. Most importantly, the ability to instantly redirect thrust improves response time and vessel handling in confined or dynamic environments. For vessels operating in ports, narrow waterways, or offshore conditions, azimuth propulsion is a more efficient, responsive, and future-ready solution.
Nothing demonstrates the impact of our solutions better than real-world examples. These case studies show how Berg azimuth thrusters deliver measurable results across various vessel types and operating environments.
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Our azimuth thrusters are available with both Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) and Fixed Pitch Propellers (FPP), giving you the flexibility to choose the best solution for your vessel’s operational profile.
Azimuth thrusters with CPP combine full 360° rotation capability with adjustable blade pitch, allowing precise control of thrust direction and magnitude without altering engine speed. This delivers exceptional maneuverability, smoother handling, and improved fuel efficiency.
Alternatively, our azimuth thrusters with FPP provide a robust, simple design optimized for steady, efficient propulsion in consistent operating conditions. FPP thrusters offer reliable performance with fewer moving parts, making them well suited for applications where durability and straightforward operation are priorities.
Both options are fully integrated within Berg’s azimuth thruster systems, engineered to maximize thrust, efficiency, and uptime in demanding maritime environments.
Looking to equip your vessel with advanced azimuth propulsion? Our experts are ready to help you specify and configure a system tailored to your operational needs.
We are looking forward to hearing from you and discussing how we can be of assistance in making sure that your fleet is fully covered.
