Zf Marine Propulsion Systems- Thrusting Forward to Meet Demand for Workboat and Off- Shore Applications
Perhaps best known by many in the industry for its transmissions, ZF Marine Propulsion Systems offers a family of products to the maritime sector including a comprehensive range of transmissions (reversing, non-reversing, and hybrid), fixed pitch propellers, steering systems, and CANbus-compatible electronic control systems, azimuth thrusters, tunnel thrusters, and sail drives.
With more than 35 years' experience in building azimuth propulsion units, ZF Marine Propulsion Systems has designed, produced, and commissioned various models of thrusters for a multitude of applications around the world. This brought ZF Marine Propulsion System the reputation of a reliable and renowned thruster supplier.
Within the azimuth thruster range, ZF Marine Propulsion System produces various types such as the well-mounted, retractable, and deck-mounted thrusters. Thrusters can be produced with twin propellers, rotating in counter directions, which can provide an increase of thrust in all operational ranges. Tunnel thrusters can also be supplied with controllable pitch propeller. The units can be provided with electric, diesel or hydraulic drive systems. Steering controls are advanced and can be interfaced with global positioning systems and dynamic positioning systems. ZF Marine Propulsion System's range of thrusters can be applied to almost any craft including pleasure vessels, defense craft, and commercial vessels.
All ZF Marine Propulsion System's thruster systems are developed, designed, and produced in-house, built under the umbrella of constant quality control which guarantees the reliability of the product.
"Our commercial thruster business continues to grow in markets around the world," shared Mr. Koh Chong Hin, General Manager, Asia Pacific (Marine), ZF Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. "We are seeing strong interest in our azimuth thrusters and retractable thrusters for various offshore applications and we are well positioned to cater to growing demand in key markets within Asia Pacific."
He added, "High-quality standards in our products ensure the highest levels of safety, reliability, and efficiency for our customers. This allows them to focus on their core business operations, be it in harbor tug operations, offshore supply and service, or maritime patrol."
Today, ZF Marine Propulsion System has established a market leadership with impressive references for propulsion thrusters for lift boat/jack-up applications. Owners and operators like Seajacks and GMS, pioneers in the field of such vessels, have repeatedly chosen ZF Marine thrusters over other makes in their new build vessels.
ZF Marine thrusters, both retractable—executed in the combo construction such that it is capable of working as a transverse thruster when retracted and a full azimuth thruster when extended—are ideally suited for lift boats/jack-up applications based on designs such as the NG 5500 C, NG 2500 X, and NG 1800 X. The expertise of ZF Marine engineers in working in such complex projects, involving coordination with multiple parties and project management, contributes to its strong reputation in today's market.
The ZF Marine difference lies in its focus and commitment to offering the best performing marine propulsion units and sub-systems in its entire transmissions and thrusters product lines, coupled with class-leading aftermarket service.
Worldwide "Service Readiness" is ensured through three Product Competence Centres, six Regional and two Subregional Competence Centres, and about 170 Local Competence Centres in 55 countries.
"We have skilled teams of ‘flying doctors’ in our Regional and Subregional Competence Centres to ensure speedy support availability onsite. Our engineers go through comprehensive product trainings at ZF Marine factories in Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany," said Mr. Koh.
ZF Marine Propulsion's Regional Competence Center, major spare parts, and warehousing facility for Asia Pacific are in Singapore.
ZF is a global leader in driveline and chassis technology with 122 production companies in 26 countries. In 2013, the Group achieved a sales figure of about €16.8 billion with approximately 72,600 employees. In order to continue to be successful with innovative products, ZF annually invests about 5% of its sales (2013: €836 million) in research and development. ZF is one of the ten largest automotive suppliers.
Industrial Technology is the division where ZF bundles its activities for "Off-Road" applications. It comprises the development and production of transmissions and axles for agricultural and construction machinery as well as driveline technology for material handling systems, rail and special vehicles. The division is also responsible for the worldwide business of marine propulsion systems, aviation technology, as well as the development and production of gearboxes for wind turbines. Test systems for all kinds of applications in driveline and chassis technology and the open telematics platform Openmatics are also included in the division's portfolio.
The Business Unit "Marine Propulsion Systems" is a leader in the marine market. Coordinated through its headquarters at ZF Padova, Italy, ZF Marine is worldwide present with approximately 1,100 employees and sales of €264 million in 2013.
ZF Marine supplies propulsion systems and components for all types of vessels—motor yachts, defense craft, high-speed ferries, workboats, and commercial vessels—in a power range from 10 to 14,000 kW to customers including major shipyards and engine manufacturers worldwide.
The product portfolio includes a comprehensive range of transmissions (reversing, non-reversing, and hybrid), propellers, POD-drive systems, steering systems, CANbus-compatible electronic control systems, azimuth thrusters, tunnel thrusters, and sail drives.
For more info, please visit: www.zf.com/marine
This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 37 No.1 Issue last February 28,2015.
