Marine Thruster & Propulsion Technologies

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Contents

About Us 3

Why Us 5

E-Pod Systems 7

Technology Advances 9

Operator Benefits 11

Liquid-Cooled Drives 13

Tunnel/Bow/Stern Thrusters 15

Tunnel Thruster Package 17

Power and Control 19

VFD Platform 21

Yacht Thrusters 23

Stay on Course 24

Contact 25

About Us

Aqua Manoeuvra Systems designs and manufactures advanced propulsion and

manoeuvring systems for vessels of all types. Whether it’s manoeuvring a yacht into

a narrow berth or an Anchor Handling Tug holding position at sea, Aqua Manoeuvra

Systems has the technology you need. Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates,

we also have offices in United States, Germany, Malaysia and Singapore.

Our E-Pod Drives provide a complete range of manoeuvring solutions for all kinds

of surface vessels, but we also welcome requests for specialised equipment.

And our subsidiary SubSea Propulsion Systems specialises in hydraulic and electric

propulsion thrusters for all types of manned and unmanned underwater vehicles.

With more than 50 years of combined experience in the maritime propulsion world,

let Aqua Manoeuvra Systems’ expert team ensure your maritime days are plain

sailing all the way.

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“We have over 50 years of combined experience in the maritime propulsion world”

AMS has a 1�0,000 square foot facility which includes a full CNC Machining

Centre for prototype development, manufacturing and assembly plus our

top-of-the-range water test tank.

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Why Us?

We didn’t just design our E-Pod Drives to work; we designed them

to work hard, in the toughest conditions.

You get advanced, self-contained, space-saving workhorses

known the world over for dependability. Because thrusters are

only used in critical situations we work tirelessly to ensure our

products work flawlessly exactly when you need them, time and

time again.

You can depend on them for simple operation too, with

easy-to-read LED diagnostic indicators and simple one-turn

visual adjustments. We know our design features make sense,

because marine experts and actual users helped to design them

Our products are lightweight and compact. That means smaller

ships or more cargo space, saving you money. In fact, our E-Pod

Drives are approximately half the weight of a typical AC Driven

Thruster System.

Our products are quiet too – they’ve even been used on stealth

vessels for the Coast Guards.

At Aqua Manoeuvra Systems we believe in personal service.

By getting to know you better we can better meet your unique needs.

We believe that a personal relationship is a profitable relationship.

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Introducing a new series of marine thrusters and azimuthing propulsion systems designed to provide

any vessel with maximum manoeuvrability combined with silent and reliable operation.

Aqua Manoeuvra Systems offers a unique series of electric

thrusters and propulsors, using E-Pod Technology. E-Pod thrusters

have a motor built into the thruster pod, resulting in an efficient,

compact and lightweight unit. Our Silent Thruster Systems

have been ruggedly designed for the marine industry of today

and tomorrow.

Typical thruster systems are prone to water entering or oil

leaking through the propeller shaft seals. The E-Pod wet

thruster design eliminates this problem by the introduction of

an internal sealed diaphragm located between the rotor and

stator, creating two separate isolated and sealed compartments.

Water cannot reach the stator through the shaft seal.

E-Pod™ Systems Thrusters and Propulsors

That means better performance, better reliability and lower

maintenance costs. This Thruster System can be installed in the

bulbous bow, or it can be installed in a water or ballast tank

with no impact to the operation of the thruster system.

E-Pod Marine Thruster Systems are available as:

• E-Pod Bow / Stern Thrusters

• E-Pod Propulsion Azimuthing Drives

E-Pod Azimuthing Propulsor

E-Pod Tunnel Thruster

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Technology Advances That Produce The Best Results

We are continuously working with new and emerging

technologies to improve our Thruster and Propulsion systems.

It’s the soul mission of Aqua Manoeuvra Systems to continually

improve the quality, reliability and cost effectiveness of

our Thruster Systems, while achieving the highest levels

of performance.

E-Pod

The E-Pod thruster and propulsion system combines our expertise

in propulsion, hydrodynamics and azimuthing thrusters with

our experience of electric propulsion drives. In addition to

the flexibility in machinery and vessel arrangement offered

by electric propulsion drives, the E-Pod system gives improved

efficiency and excellent manoeuvrability.

The E-Pod can be rotated ��0 degrees for manoeuvring,

or by +/- �0 degrees hardover during transit by using our

advanced, hydraulically-operated steering gear. We use fixed

pitch propellers which minimise noise and vibration. Optional

separately-bolted blades mean they can be changed individually

in case of damage.

“E-Pod system gives improved efficiency and excellent manoeuvrability”.

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Oil Tankers

Dredgers

Heavy Lift Vessels

Luxury Super Yachts

Container Ships

Fishing Vessels

Research Vessels

River Cruise Boats

Naval Patrol Vessels

Swath Vessel

Ferries

Chemical Carriers

Catamarans

Applications

“Our rugged equipment is virtually maintenance free, with life expectancies

of 20,000-40,000 hours”

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Operator Benefits

• Propeller speed is independent of engine speed leading to

better manoeuvrability

• Built-in features such as power management and

protection result in a compact design that eliminates the

need for a main switchboard, saving you space

• Our rugged equipment is virtually maintenance free, with

life expectancies of �0,000-�0,000 hours

• The E-Pod solution provides design and arrangement

flexibility for naval architects and installation flexibility

for shipyards

• The E-Pod system is approximately half the weight of a

typical AC Driven Thruster System, resulting in increased

cargo capacity or reduced vessel size

• Can continue to operate even if the main shaft seal leaks.

• No oil system required, eliminating chance of oil leaks

• Increased propulsion system efficiency

• Increased propulsion system redundancy and

power availability

• Reduced total installed power generation

• Reduced total fuel consumption and exhaust emissions

• Reduced noise and vibration levels

• Reduced vessel turning circle

• Flexible machinery arrangement

• Modularised design

• Simpler vessel machinery installation

• Simpler hull form and structure

“Our rugged equipment is virtually maintenance free, with life expectancies

of 20,000-40,000 hours”

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Liquid-Cooled DrivesThe Liquid-Cooled Drive is our most space-saving AC drive, ideal

for locations where air-cooling would be difficult or expensive,

or where the installation space is at a premium.

In fact our Liquid-Cooled Drive can save you up to �0% of the

space needed for a similar rated air-cooled drive.

As no air channels are required, the drives are extremely compact

and suitable for ship board installations. As almost all of the heat

generated is removed by the coolant, a high degree of protection

is easily achieved at all power ratings.

Our complete Liquid-Cooled drive systems include everything you

need, from the drive and coolant itself to the heat exchangers.

Our drives have been designed from scratch to work with liquid

cooling, offering huge advantages and space savings over other

drives which are merely converted to liquid cooling.

The liquid coolant removes about �5% of the heat generated,

and because the coolant is kept entirely enclosed, you can even

use drinking water without it becoming contaminated.

All systems are available with a high degree of protection (IP5�)

and can be installed almost anywhere in the vessel.

This also reduces the load on the vessel’s air-conditioning and,

best of all for a weary crew, the lack of large cooling fans makes

them quiet!

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Tunnel/Bow/Stern Thruster Systems

Aqua Manoeuvra Systems manufactures a complete range of Tunnel

Thrusters for commercial vessels. Initially used in the bows of ferries

and tugs, these versatile control devices soon became popular in

offshore oil servicing boats and larger ocean-going craft.

They permit unassisted manoeuvring alongside of oil rigs, vessels,

loading platforms and docks - and provide precise control at slow

speeds through locks, narrow channels and bridges.

In The Hull

The E-Pod Tunnel Thruster is installed athwart ship in a tunnel low

down in the bow. A second unit can be installed in the stern if

necessary. For dynamic positioning and station keeping, as many as

five Tunnel Thrusters have been used in a single application.

With 1�0° thrust - �0° to either port or starboard - the Tunnel

Thruster gives added manoeuvrability and control for docking and

slow-speed operations.

Its small size means it can easily be installed in almost any location

for maximum turning capability. And its unique design means that

maintenance and removal can often be accomplished without the

need for dry-docking.

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The Tunnel Thruster Package

The AMS Tunnel/Bow Thruster provides thrust to either side of the

vessel to aid manoeuvring or to help hold a position. It consists of a

cylindrical tunnel with an E-Pod assembly in the centre.

Incorporated are our unique “Barrier Protection” shields between

the rotor and stator assemblies, and propeller shaft, and a Kaplan

type propeller with blades working in close proximity to a corrosion

and abrasion resistant wear ring. Stainless steel shafts are mounted

on tapered and straight roller bearings designed for shock resistance,

long life and quietness.

Thrusters are normally only used for limited periods during docking

and manoeuvring; but we still build them for rugged service,

and to the highest standards. That’s why we design our thrusters

using many of the same components as our continuous-duty

rated drives.

High Efficiency

AMS-Thrusters are fixed pitch, four blade Kaplan-type propellers.

That combined with our efficient built-in E-Pod motor assembly

means low parasitic power losses from input to output - and the

highest thrust in relation to tunnel diameter.

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Power and Control

Control Consoles (Bridge Mounted)

The Electric Bow Thruster System comes complete with bridge-

mounted control console, allowing you full control of the thrusters

through a joystick controller. We can even install remotes if

necessary, enabling you to control the thrusters from virtually

anywhere on the ship.

Our Bow and Stern Thruster Systems use a VFD (Variable Frequency

Type Controller), a compact AC thruster drive specifically designed

for heavy marine use.

The robust design incorporates effective protection against supply

network disturbances. Trip-free operation is also guaranteed due

to sophisticated motor control and protection features, component

selection and effective cooling. Enclosure classes of IP�1 and IP5�

and integrated high-level EMC filters make our equipment suitable

for all environments.

Our intuitive Start-Up Wizard and the standard All-In-One

Application Package makes setting up your thruster system simple.

Our software works on a standard laptop and is so easy to use we

guarantee it will be plain sailing all the way.

Key Features:

• Steady state speed error < 1%

• Low torque ripple

• High immunity to resonance vibrations

• Starting torque > �00%, depending on motor and drive sizing

• Suitable for multi-motor applications

• High-speed applications (up to ��00 Hz) possible

• Extremely low-noise motors (fSW 10 kHz without derating)

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A robust design that makes the VFD Drive a platform for all marine applications

The core of the VFD is a fast micro controller providing dynamic

performance for applications where good motor handling and

reliability is essential.

The VFD supports fast drive-to-drive communication. It also

offers an integrated data logger function, allowing you to analyse

performance and dynamic events without the need for additional

hardware. Fast monitoring of several drives simultaneously can be

done by using the NCdrive tool and CAN communication.

Features

• Speed error < 0.01%, depending on the encoder

• Incremental or absolute encoder support

• Encoder voltages of 5 V (RS�� ),15 V or �� V, depending on the

option card

• Full torque control at all speeds, including zero

• Torque accuracy < �%; < 5% down to zero speed

• Starting torque > �00%, depending on motor and drive sizing

• Full capability for master/slave configurations

• Integrated data logger for system analysis

• Fast multiple drive monitoring with PC

• High-speed bus

The motor controller is remotely operated by the

bridge-mounted variable-speed Joy Stick Controller.

(Remote control stations are also available)

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“Designed to provide any yacht maximum manoeuvrability with “silent” and reliable operation”.

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Yacht Thruster Systems

Aqua Manoeuvra Systems introduces a new series of Yacht Bow and

Stern Thruster Systems designed to provide any yacht maximum

manoeuvrability with “silent” and reliable operation.

Our highly-efficient thruster system recovers lost rotational energy,

making it extra efficient.

The drive motor is mounted directly to the thruster, eliminating

the need for an adaptor housing and coupling. That, together

with rubber isolation mountings, means it’s compact, efficient

and virtually silent, a system designed for the Super Yacht of

the future.

Our thruster systems can be used with electric, diesel engine,

or hydraulic drives, and can be mounted either vertically or

horizontally, giving maximum flexibility.

Our installations can be tailored to virtually any yacht design, from

�5 to �50 feet (1� to �5 metres).

The BTM thruster Pod is completely removable

from the Tunnel.

AMS also specialises in a

full series of Yacht Thruster

Systems designed for yachts

from 15M to 100M in length

in both hydraulic and electric

configurations designed as

bow and stern tunnel type

thrusters, retractable both

vertical and swing types.

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Have you ever wished you had an extra pair of hands when

making a complicated manoeuvre?

Have you ever wished you could give your vessel an extra push?

Or have you ever worried about just how much space your

propulsion system was taking up – space that could be used

for cargo?

Make your maritime days plain sailing with Aqua Manoeuvra

Systems’ complete range of propulsion systems and thrusters.

Forward fit or retrofit, we can accommodate it all.

Our thruster systems will give you that additional steering

capability in narrow waterways, rivers, coves and small harbours,

while our propulsion systems will get you on your way and keep

you going, whatever the weather.

Stay On Course With AMS-Thruster Marine Systems

Our Other Products

• Standard Type Tunnel

Thruster Systems

• Rotatable Propeller

Drives and a full series

of PumpJets

SubSea Propulsion Systems

A Division of Aqua

Manoeuvra Systems

offers a full portfolio of

electric and hydraulic

subsea thruster systems for

Rov Systems. Propulsion

Modules for AUV’s and

Manned submerciable with

a series of excavators and

grabber modules with self

positioning capabilities.

We combine high-class materials with rugged design and

the latest manufacturing techniques. We know our products

offer you what you need, because maritime experts helped

design them.

Contact Aqua Manoeuvra Systems to find out how we can

save you space, time and money.

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Contact

United Arab EmiratesHead Office3rd Floor, Spectrum Bldg.P.O. Box 25457 Dubai, U.A.E.Tel: +971 4 305 9717 Fax: +971 4 305 9710info@ams-thrusters.comwww.ams-thrusters.com

United StatesGPS - AMSOne Riverway, Suite 1700Houston, Texas 77057-1997USATel: +1 713 840 6465Fax: +1 713 622 1937info.usa@ams-thrusters.com

MalaysiaGPS - AMSLevel 8, Menara See Hoy ChanNo. 374, Jalan Tun Razak50400 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaP.O. Box 1175350756 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaTel: +6 03 9145 3000Fax +6 03 2161 3234info@ams-thrusters.com

GermanyIngenieurbuero – AMSSchillerberg 2123611 Sereetz GermanyTel: +49 (0) 451 2909320 Fax: +49 (0) 451 2909321info.ger@ams-thrusters.com

SingaporeGPS - AMS1 Temasek Avenue32-02 Milenia TowerSingapore, 039192Tel: +65 6722 3018Fax: +65 6722 3019info@ams-thrusters.com

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