Unconventional EPS Thruster

Van der Velden Marine Systems introduced a new and highly innovative Electrical Propulsion System (EPS) which does not have a gear or propeller shaft. Using a pioneering construction and the very latest materials, the EPS thruster offers major benefits to shipowners and naval architects in terms of power-performance, noise, weight and robustness.

The EPS thruster represents a novel construction where blades are connected to an outer ring, rather than to a hub, as is the case with conventional thrusters. Since there is no clearance between the propeller and tube a likely source of cavitation is removed, resulting in an extremely quiet operation. According to the company, this solution provides other numerous benefits such as good power-performance ratio, higher power at similar cross-sections, simple and robust construction, and low weight. High performance ceramic bearings ensure good reliability and exchangeable blades facilitate ease of maintenance and repairs.