Rolls-Royce Power Systems and ZF have expanded their long-standing partnership in marine propulsion systems to include pod propulsion packages.
The integrated solution improves manoeuvrability and propulsion efficiency. Available up to 1,250 kilowatts (1,700 hp), and later also up to 1,470 kW (2,000 hp), the power range is based on mtu Series 2000 engines and ZF’s POD 4600.
Denise Kurtulus, Vice President Global Marine at the Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems, explained, “Our strategic goal is to offer our customers integrated, highly efficient solutions … from bridge to propeller. This includes our bridge solutions, automation and crew assistance systems, mtu engines, mtu hybrid systems, and now pod drives.”
“Propulsion efficiency can be increased by up to 15 percent with the mtu-ZF combined solution, significantly reducing the carbon footprint. Compared to conventional fixed propeller drives, manoeuvrability can be significantly improved.”
Federico Decio, Head of Business Unit Marine & Special Driveline Technology at ZF, adds, “We know that shipbuilders around the world count on ZF to bring performance, efficiency, and reliability to a growing variety of vessels. And that’s exactly what we have achieved with the new ZF POD Propulsion 4600 System.”
The new systems will be offered for series-production vessels up to around 30 metres in length with a top speed of up to 32 knots, and for workboats such as crew transfer vessels.
New projects are being developed in close cooperation between Rolls-Royce with its Italian-based Yacht Competence Center, ZF and yacht manufacturers. In the future, Rolls-Royce will supply the complete propulsion package to the customer.
