Kongsberg Maritime launches new Azipull thruster for superyachts

Norwegian ship technology and engineering firm Kongsberg Maritime has announced the launch of a new Azipull 70 thruster, the smallest in the company’s portfolio of Azipull thrusters, specifically for the superyacht market.

Azipull thrusters are typically associated with offshore, ferry and specialist vessel applications thanks to their high efficiency and excellent manoeuvrability.

Kongsberg Maritime introduced the new Azipull 70 as the yacht market searches for electric propulsion solutions with additional comfort and compact installation. The company says that the new Azipull 70 was designed to address the needs of yacht builders. The design includes a compact inboard arrangement for easier integration within space-constrained yacht hulls. The Azipull 70 also reduces noise and vibration levels for enhanced onboard comfort.

“Over the last few years, we have seen growing interest in Azipull technology from the yacht sector, particularly among leading yards in Europe,” says Anton Westerlund, Vice President Product Management, Thruster Systems, Kongsberg Maritime. “The introduction of the Azipull 70 is a direct response to that demand. It is the smallest Azipull we have ever developed, specifically designed to bring the manoeuvrability, efficiency and hydrodynamic advantages to a new generation of yachts and yacht support vessels.”

The Azipull 70 will be available in both L-drive and Z-drive configurations for integration with diesel-electric, hybrid or conventional mechanical drive arrangements. Multiple hull mounting alternatives, including welded and bolted configurations, are available, and the Azipull 70 can be specified with fixed pitch, controllable pitch or full feathering propellers.

“Many of the world's leading yacht builders are looking for technologies that help differentiate their vessels while maintaining the highest standards of quality and operational excellence,” said Sebastian Jobs, Vice President Sales - Thrusters, Kongsberg Maritime. “The new Azipull 70 has been developed with those expectations firmly in mind, and the response from customers has been extremely encouraging.”

Kongsberg Maritime has said that it will focus more closely on developing its superyacht business. The company has traditionally been a key supplier of high-tech engineering solutions for the offshore energy industry and for the naval sector. More recently, the company has solidified its internal organisation to address the needs of the superyacht market.