Kongsberg Maritime’s new Direct Trunk Support rudder system reduces the forces from maneuvering impacting the steering system
A brand new Direct Trunk Support (DTS) system for rudders launched by Kongsberg Maritime transfers the maneuvering forces from the rudder by means of the headbox and the steering gear deck instantly into the hull construction. This guarantees to enhance maneuvering and propulsion efficiency and ship weight financial savings that may finally save gasoline and assist reduce emissions.
Kongsberg says the DTS rudder has no higher measurement restrict and works for vessels of any measurement, from container ships to fishing vessels, and in any phase, from naval ships to superyachts. It eliminates the radial forces and bending second transferred from the rudder blade to the steering gear. This is completed with an prolonged pipe built-in into the rudder trunk. This implies that the rudder inventory (torque shaft) within the DTS system solely transfers torque and axial masses.
Some of a very powerful advantages of the brand new DTS system come within the design part of a ship. The improved load distribution offers the ship designer extra flexibility within the aft ship design, which allows a decrease positioned steering gear deck. This offers larger storage capability to any vessel. The DTS system additionally offers ship house owners the choice to decide on smaller steering gear, for the reason that DTS system solely transfers torque load.
The enchancment in load distribution permits extra freedom within the design of the rudder blade. Higher side ratios and slimmer, full-spade rudder designs are attainable, which improves the general efficiency of the vessel. When mixed with Kongsberg’s PROMAS system, which integrates the propeller and rudder right into a single system to enhance hydrodynamic effectivity, the potential for DTS expertise is even larger.
Kongsberg says the brand new design freedom for rudders and propellers permits for “remarkable improvements” in propulsion effectivity and gasoline financial savings.
Adoption of the DTS system means heavy solid objects are now not wanted, which makes bigger rudders extra aggressive by means of weight financial savings and diminished lead time. Additionally, the break up rudder design reduces the load of particular person parts and makes them safer to deal with throughout manufacturing and set up.
“Today, replacement and modernization of propulsion and maneuvering systems are key drivers for newbuilds and aftermarket sales,” mentioned Andreas Malmkvist, SVP propeller & shaftline methods at Kongsberg Maritime. “From 2023, EEXI and EEDI will set new minimum requirements for the energy efficiency of existing and new ships. Ship owners will start to look for new solutions to meet the accelerating regulations and improve fuel consumptions and operating cost,” he added. “For Kongsberg, DTS is a significant opportunity to cover a larger market and provide customers with a long-term solution to help them meet their goals.”
