Azimuth Thrusters
Z-Drive & L-Drive Marine Azimuth Thruster Systems (150 – 3,500 kW)
MPSI supplies and engineers marine azimuth thrusters for ASD tugs, ferries, workboats and offshore vessels across Indonesia and Asia Pacific. Our 360-degree steerable Z-drive and L-drive azimuth thrusters deliver high bollard pull using heavy-duty bevel gearing and IACS class-approved components.
Propulsion Families
Azimuth Thrusters
360-degree steerable propulsion delivering maximum maneuverability and high bollard pull for tugs, ferries, and workboats.
Engineering & Design Overview
Engineered for extreme reliability and hydrodynamic efficiency, MPSI Azimuth Thrusters combine heavy-duty bevel gears with precision steering mechanisms available in Z-drive and L-drive configurations.
Suitable Vessel Applications:
Standard Models & Parameters
View All Datasheets & GA »| Model SKU | Power Range | Propeller Dia. | Installation | Drive Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPSI-ZT-2500 | 1200.00 – 2500.00 kW | 1800.00 – 2600.00 mm | Z-Drive Well Installation | Diesel Direct / Electric Motor | Select » |
Bow & Tunnel Thrusters
High-thrust auxiliary maneuvering systems designed for precise harbor docking, station keeping, and dynamic positioning.
Engineering & Design Overview
Available with fixed pitch (FPP) or controllable pitch (CPP) propellers, driven by electric motors, diesel engines, or hydraulic drives with robust tunnel integrations.
Suitable Vessel Applications:
Standard Models & Parameters
View All Datasheets & GA »| Model SKU | Power Range | Propeller Dia. | Installation | Drive Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPSI-TT-1000 | 200.00 – 1000.00 kW | 900.00 – 1600.00 mm | Transverse Hull Tunnel | Electric / Hydraulic / Diesel | Select » |
Contra-Rotating Propulsion
Dual-propeller counter-rotating systems providing up to 15% improved hydrodynamic efficiency and superior thrust recovery.
Engineering & Design Overview
Ideal for high-efficiency coastal vessels, passenger ferries, and offshore utility craft seeking optimal fuel economy and reduced cavitation.
Suitable Vessel Applications:
Standard Models & Parameters
View All Datasheets & GA »Fixed Pitch Propellers
Custom-designed marine propellers manufactured in high-grade nickel-aluminum bronze (Cu3) for commercial and utility vessels.
Engineering & Design Overview
Hydrodynamically optimized blade geometries engineered through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to maximize open-water efficiency while mitigating vibration.
Suitable Vessel Applications:
Standard Models & Parameters
View All Datasheets & GA »Deck-Mounted Thrusters
Self-contained propulsion units installed directly on deck for barges, dredgers, engineering pontoons, and shallow draft vessels.
Engineering & Design Overview
Features integrated diesel engine drive, elevation tilting mechanism for shallow water maintenance, and 360-degree azimuth steering.
Suitable Vessel Applications:
Standard Models & Parameters
View All Datasheets & GA »| Model SKU | Power Range | Propeller Dia. | Installation | Drive Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPSI-DMT-600 | 150.00 – 600.00 kW | 800.00 – 1400.00 mm | Deck Bolted / Elevation Jack | Direct Diesel Engine Package | Select » |
Rudder Propellers
Integrated propulsion and steering solution replacing conventional rudder-shaft arrangements with enhanced steering response.
Engineering & Design Overview
Combines propulsion thrust and directional steering into a single compact unit for agile maneuvering in congested waterways.
Suitable Vessel Applications:
Standard Models & Parameters
View All Datasheets & GA »Specialized Thruster Systems
Customized maneuvering thrusters including active rudders, retractable thrusters, and specialized DP systems.
Engineering & Design Overview
Tailored engineering packages built to meet bespoke vessel geometries and demanding offshore operational envelopes.
Suitable Vessel Applications:
Standard Models & Parameters
View All Datasheets & GA »Active Rudder Thrusters (ART)
Active rudder thruster (ART) is an active propulsion device integrating propeller function and rudder function. Its underwater part can provide efficient rudder thrust through active ± 42 degree rotation.
Engineering & Design Overview
Active rudder thruster (ART) is an active propulsion device integrating propeller function and rudder function. Its underwater part can provide efficient rudder thrust through active ± 42 degree rotation. The device integrates the forward and reverse functions of the gearbox, the reduction ratio, the thrust of the propeller and the function of the rudder. The long shaft of the conventional propeller arranged horizontally in the hull is arranged vertically, the power engine room is placed behind, and the main engine room and the steering engine room are combined into one, so as to improve the ship's storage capacity and simplify the design and installation of the ship's propulsion power. It truly realizes the power modular design of conventional ships.
Suitable Vessel Applications:
Standard Models & Parameters
View All Datasheets & GA »| Model SKU | Power Range | Propeller Dia. | Installation | Drive Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPSI-ART-1000 | 200.00 – 1000.00 kW | 1000.00 – 1800.00 mm | Integrated Rudder Well | Electric Motor / Diesel Direct | Select » |
| MPSI-ART-2500 | 1000.00 – 2500.00 kW | 1800.00 – 2800.00 mm | Integrated Rudder Trunk | Diesel Geared / Hybrid Electric | Select » |
Azimuth Thruster Engineering, Configurations & Applications
An azimuth thruster is a 360° steerable marine propulsion unit that rotates around its vertical axis to direct thrust in any direction. Unlike a conventional shaft-and-rudder arrangement, an azimuth thruster provides full thrust vectoring, which dramatically improves manoeuvrability, station keeping and bollard pull. MPSI supplies azimuth thruster systems built for continuous heavy-duty operation in harbours, terminals and offshore fields.
MPSI azimuth thrusters are available in Z-drive and L-drive configurations from 150 kW to 3,500 kW, with propeller diameters from 800 mm to 3,200 mm. Standard models such as the MPSI-ZT-2500 are engineered for 45–65 tonne bollard pull ASD and escort tugs, and every unit can be customised to a specific vessel's power, hull geometry and classification requirements.
Each azimuth thruster is manufactured with Klingelnberg bevel gears, a high hydrodynamic thrust nozzle, an integrated lubrication and cooling system, and factory quality assurance before delivery. MPSI supports the full lifecycle — technical selection, well integration, sea trials and spare parts — for tugboats, ferries, workboats and offshore vessels throughout Indonesia and Asia Pacific.
Azimuth thrusters are most commonly specified for ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) tugs, escort tugs, harbour tugs, passenger and Ro-Ro ferries, offshore supply vessels, dredgers and special-purpose vessels that require precise dynamic positioning. Where a conventional propeller and rudder cannot deliver enough transverse thrust, an azimuth thruster provides the vectored control needed for safe berthing and station keeping.
Azimuth Thruster: Frequently Asked Questions
Need Technical Selection?
Send your vessel specifications and the MPSI engineering team will recommend the optimal configuration with datasheets and GA drawings.
Request a Quote Download DatasheetsPlanning a New Vessel or Propulsion Upgrade?
Share your vessel requirements with our team and let us help identify the appropriate propulsion or maneuvering solution for your project.