Contra-Rotating Propulsion

Counter-Rotating Propeller Systems with up to 15% Higher Efficiency

Contra-rotating propulsion recovers swirl energy with two counter-rotating propellers to improve hydrodynamic efficiency by up to 15%. MPSI engineers contra-rotating systems for ferries, coastal craft and offshore utility vessels seeking lower fuel consumption and reduced cavitation.

Propulsion Families
SELECT PROPULSION FAMILY: 8 FAMILIES
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Azimuth Thrusters

360-degree steerable propulsion delivering maximum maneuverability and high bollard pull for tugs, ferries, and workboats.

Request RFQ for This Family
Azimuth Thrusters
Class Approved
ISO 9001:2015 & IACS Certified Backbone
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.

POWER RANGE 150 – 3,500 kW
PROP. DIAMETER 800 – 3,200 mm
CONFIGURATION Z / L-Drive
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 »
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Bow & Tunnel Thrusters

High-thrust auxiliary maneuvering systems designed for precise harbor docking, station keeping, and dynamic positioning.

Request RFQ for This Family
Bow & Tunnel Thrusters
Class Approved
ISO 9001:2015 & IACS Certified Backbone
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.

POWER RANGE 50 – 2,200 kW
PROP. DIAMETER 500 – 2,800 mm
CONFIGURATION FPP / CPP Tunnel
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 »
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Contra-Rotating Propulsion

Dual-propeller counter-rotating systems providing up to 15% improved hydrodynamic efficiency and superior thrust recovery.

Request RFQ for This Family
Contra-Rotating Propulsion
Class Approved
ISO 9001:2015 & IACS Certified Backbone
Engineering & Design Overview

Ideal for high-efficiency coastal vessels, passenger ferries, and offshore utility craft seeking optimal fuel economy and reduced cavitation.

POWER RANGE 300 – 4,000 kW
PROP. DIAMETER 1,000 – 3,500 mm
CONFIGURATION Dual Counter-Rotating
Standard Models & Parameters
View All Datasheets & GA »
Custom engineering ratings and bespoke configurations engineered per vessel project requirements.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Fixed Pitch Propellers

Custom-designed marine propellers manufactured in high-grade nickel-aluminum bronze (Cu3) for commercial and utility vessels.

Request RFQ for This Family
Fixed Pitch Propellers
Class Approved
ISO 9001:2015 & IACS Certified Backbone
Engineering & Design Overview

Hydrodynamically optimized blade geometries engineered through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to maximize open-water efficiency while mitigating vibration.

POWER RANGE 100 – 5,000 kW
PROP. DIAMETER 600 – 5,000 mm
CONFIGURATION Custom CFD Blade (Cu3)
Suitable Vessel Applications:
Standard Models & Parameters
View All Datasheets & GA »
Custom engineering ratings and bespoke configurations engineered per vessel project requirements.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Deck-Mounted Thrusters

Self-contained propulsion units installed directly on deck for barges, dredgers, engineering pontoons, and shallow draft vessels.

Request RFQ for This Family
Deck-Mounted Thrusters
Class Approved
ISO 9001:2015 & IACS Certified Backbone
Engineering & Design Overview

Features integrated diesel engine drive, elevation tilting mechanism for shallow water maintenance, and 360-degree azimuth steering.

POWER RANGE 100 – 1,200 kW
PROP. DIAMETER 600 – 2,000 mm
CONFIGURATION Self-Contained Deck Unit
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 »
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Rudder Propellers

Integrated propulsion and steering solution replacing conventional rudder-shaft arrangements with enhanced steering response.

Request RFQ for This Family
Rudder Propellers
Class Approved
ISO 9001:2015 & IACS Certified Backbone
Engineering & Design Overview

Combines propulsion thrust and directional steering into a single compact unit for agile maneuvering in congested waterways.

POWER RANGE 200 – 2,000 kW
PROP. DIAMETER 800 – 2,500 mm
CONFIGURATION Integrated Steering Unit
Standard Models & Parameters
View All Datasheets & GA »
Custom engineering ratings and bespoke configurations engineered per vessel project requirements.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Specialized Thruster Systems

Customized maneuvering thrusters including active rudders, retractable thrusters, and specialized DP systems.

Request RFQ for This Family
Specialized Thruster Systems
Class Approved
ISO 9001:2015 & IACS Certified Backbone
Engineering & Design Overview

Tailored engineering packages built to meet bespoke vessel geometries and demanding offshore operational envelopes.

POWER RANGE 150 – 3,000 kW
PROP. DIAMETER 700 – 3,000 mm
CONFIGURATION Retractable / DP Pack
Standard Models & Parameters
View All Datasheets & GA »
Custom engineering ratings and bespoke configurations engineered per vessel project requirements.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

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.

Request RFQ for This Family
Active Rudder Thrusters (ART)
Class Approved
ISO 9001:2015 & IACS Certified Backbone
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.

POWER RANGE 200 – 2,500 kW
PROP. DIAMETER 1,000 – 2,800 mm
CONFIGURATION Integrated Rudder (±42°)
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 »

Contra-Rotating Propulsion (CRP): Hydrodynamic Fuel Savings & Power

Contra-rotating propulsion (CRP) systems employ two coaxial propellers rotating in opposite directions. The aft propeller recovers rotational energy lost in the propeller slipstream slip from the forward propeller, converting rotational swirl into productive forward axial thrust.

This counter-rotation principle yields between 10% and 15% net hydrodynamic fuel efficiency improvements compared to conventional single-screw arrangements, dramatically lowering operational fuel expenditure (OPEX) and reducing greenhouse emissions.

MPSI supplies contra-rotating propulsion packages from 300 kW to 4,000 kW for passenger ferries, fast utility craft, and coastal supply vessels demanding extended operating ranges and reduced propeller-induced hull vibration.

Contra-Rotating Propulsion: Frequently Asked Questions

In standard single propellers, a significant amount of engine power is wasted as rotational energy in the water wake. A contra-rotating system recovers this swirl energy using a counter-rotating second propeller, increasing net thrust by 10% to 15% with zero extra fuel consumption.

High-utilization commercial vessels such as Ro-Ro passenger ferries, coastal cargo craft, offshore utility boats, and vessels with intensive operating profiles where fuel savings generate rapid payback.

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 Datasheets

Planning 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.