Tunnel Thruster

The tunnel system is primarily used as a bow or stern thruster. Depending on the ship's design, the tunnel system is installed either in the bow or the stern. The tunnel system has a high efficiency of approximately 13.5 kg/kW.

OFP tunnel systems are used on all types of ships with sufficient draft to ensure the proper thrust. The distance from the waterline, under the lightest sea-going conditions, to the center of the tunnel should be approximately one and a half times the diameter of the tunnel.

Tunnel systems with a fixed pitch propeller are characterized by variable and reversible shaft speeds. OFP tunnel systems can be powered electrically, hydraulically, or by a diesel engine. The thrust direction is controlled by reversing the direction of the drive motor, or – in the case of a diesel engine – via a reverse mechanism.