Bow Thruster is a propulsion device installed at the bow of a ship. It is mainly used to improve the maneuverability and maneuverability of the ship, especially when sailing at low speed, berthing or sailing in narrow waters. When the ship is sailing at low speed or docking at the dock, it can achieve lateral movement or precise steering operations by generating lateral thrust.

Bow thrust mainly generates thrust through the rotation of the propeller. When the propeller rotates, it pushes the water backward or forward (depending on the direction of rotation of the propeller). According to Newton's third law, the water generates a reaction force on the propeller, and this reaction force can push the ship to move laterally. For example, when the propeller rotates clockwise, it pushes the water to the port side, and the ship will move to the starboard side; conversely, when it rotates counterclockwise, the ship moves to the port side.

A. Structural composition:

1. Propeller, this is the core component of the bow thruster. Generally speaking, the number of propeller blades is between 3 and 5, and the shape of the blades is designed to efficiently push the water flow to generate sufficient lateral thrust.

2. An electric motor or hydraulic motor that provides power for propeller rotation.

3. The guide tube is installed outside the propeller. Its function is to guide the direction of the water flow and improve the working efficiency of the propeller.

4. The control system can be controlled from the ship's bridge or a specialized operating position.

B. Type of bow thrust

1. Fixed pitch propeller type

2. Variable pitch propeller

3. Full rotation type

4. Electric drive type

5. Hydraulic driven

C. Function

1. Improve maneuverability: The bow thrust device can significantly improve the maneuverability of the ship and make the ship more flexible during navigation.

2. Reduce the radius of gyration: By generating thrust perpendicular to the hull, the bow thrust device can effectively reduce the radius of gyration of the ship, which is beneficial to the ship's autonomous berthing and unberthing operations in narrow waters.

3. Emergency adjustment: In emergency situations, the bow thrust device can quickly adjust the direction of the ship to avoid dangerous situations such as collisions.

4. Meeting special operation requirements: For some special purpose ships, such as offshore engineering ships, salvage ships, etc., bow thrusters are indispensable equipment.