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Thrustmaster News

11 Oct 2022

Thrustmaster to Supply Propulsion for DARPA Uncrewed Vessel

(Image: DARPA)

Thrustmaster of Texas, Inc. announce it is providing a customized thruster propulsion system to SERCO, Inc. in support of its recently awarded No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The advanced platform design has been developed by SERCO to meet the performance requirements established by DARPA to demonstrate true unmanned operations for extended time periods.Joe Bekker, president of Thrustmaster of Texas, said,…

23 Aug 2022

Thrustmaster to Overhaul Thrusters on USCG Buoy Tenders

(Photo: Thrustmaster of Texas)

Thrustmaster of Texas on Tuesday announced it has been awarded a contract to overhaul the thrusters for the U.S. Coast Guard’s 175-foot WLM vessels.The multiyear contract, awarded by the U.S. Coast Guard Surface Force Logistics Center (SFLC), will see Thrustmaster fully overhaul to a like-new status the primary propulsion system for these icebreaker/buoy and construction tenders.This effort will allow the Coast Guard to continue to support the important missions of these vessels for years to come. This contract will be executed at Thrustmaster’s 300,000 sq.ft.

22 Aug 2022

US DARPA to Build, Test, Demonstrate Uncrewed Ship

Concept design for NOMARS Defiant unmanned ship. (Image: Serco Inc.)

The U.S. Department of Defense's research and development agency is moving into the second phase of a project to to build and demonstrate a new seagoing unmanned surface vessel.The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on Monday announced  it is moving into Phase 2 of the No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program, which seeks to build and demonstrate a revolutionary new medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) that can go to sea and perform missions with unprecedented reliability and availability, while carrying a significant payload.

11 May 2021

MTU Gensets Chosen for US Navy Frigate Program

(Image: Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce said it has been selected to supply its mtu naval generator sets for phase one of the U.S. Navy’s Constellation (FFG-62) class frigate program, previously known as the FFG(X) program. Rolls-Royce has received a contract for the first shipset to provide four mtu naval generator sets, each rated at 3,000 kWe at 1,800 rpm.Construction on the first ship is expected to begin later this year after Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) of Marinette, Wis. was awarded the build contract for the project in 2020…

29 Oct 2020

Thrustmaster to Equip US Navy’s First Constellation-class Frigate

An artist rendering of the guided-missile frigate FFG(X). The new small surface combatant will have multi-mission capability to conduct air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, electronic warfare and information operations. (U.S. Navy graphic)

Thrustmaster of Texas, Inc. said it has been awarded a contract from Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) for the design, development and manufacture of the auxiliary propulsion unit (APU) on the U.S. Navy’s future guided missile frigate (FFG 62). Thrustmaster will be supplying the complete APU package consisting of the 1MW retractable azimuthing thruster, controls, prime mover electric motor, variable frequency drive and steering and retraction power unit. The APU package will…

12 Nov 2019

Holvik joins Thrustmaster

Jon Holvik was named Thrustmaster's Executive Vice President for Business Development of Dynamic Positioning Systems.

Thrustmaster of Texas acquired the ICON Dynamic Positioning business from Rolls Royce earlier this year, a DP product addition to the Thrustmaster product portfolio. In addition to the rights to produce and sell future units of the DP products, Thrustmaster also has responsibility for the maintenance, service and upgrades of existing DP systems presently in operation. To support this addition, Thrustmaster has added Jon Holvik to the Thrustmaster team as the Executive Vice President for Business Development of Dynamic Positioning Systems.

23 Jan 2019

Fast Support Vessel Delivered for SEACOR

Photo: Incat Crowther

Louisiana shipbuilder Gulf Craft has delivered the third vessel in a series of new class monohull fast support vessels (FSV) for SEACOR Marine.According to designer Incat Crowther, the vessel Libby L. McCall advances the traditional offshore support vessel model and offers a more cost efficient, comfortable, flexible, and safe option to helicopter transportation.The vessel features redundancy to mitigate against down time or loss of functionality due to mechanical complications.

17 Jan 2019

Thrustmaster Buys Rolls-Royce DP

Image courtesy Thrustmaster of Texas, Inc.

Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine has signed an agreement to sell the product Dynamic Positioning (DP) to the U.S. based company Thrustmaster of Texas, Inc.The agreement means that Thrustmaster of Texas now takes over the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) required to produce and sell the DP product. Rolls-Royce will also pass on necessary documentation and knowledge of the DP product. The agreement does not involve transfer of personnel.Joe Bekker, President of Thrustmaster of Texas…

19 Nov 2018

Thrustmaster Takes a Majority Stake in Blue Thruster

Thrustmaster Holdings B.V., affiliated with US-based Thrustmaster of Texas Inc., has acquired a 58,5% stake in Blue Thruster, a Dutch-based maritime innovations company.With this transaction, Thrustmaster, a leading supplier of thrusters, gains access to two innovative patents developed by Blue Thruster. These patents relate to the so-called V-pod concept, which is a highly innovative concept configuring an azimuth thruster with an integrated permanent magnet motor.With this transaction, Thrustmaster further expands its product portfolio. and its global footprint. Simultaneously, Thrustmaster has engaged into a cooperation with AAApropulsion BV…

12 Mar 2018

North Carolina Ferries Change Course for the Future

Shoaling shifts NCDOT’s propulsion needs, prompting a sea change. Thrustmaster waterjets step in to carry the day. In Swansboro, N.C., boatbuilder U.S. Workboats (formerly Armstrong Marine) is assembling the linchpin of the North Carolina Department of Transport’s (NCDOT) business plan for its future Outer Banks ferry services. Separately, in both Hatteras and Ocracoke, crews are preparing to break ground on new parking additions and visitor facilities. The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry project – made necessary by the shifting and unpredictable shoaling on North Carolina’s Outer Banks – will, starting this summer, change forever the way tourists and visitors get to and from these national treasures.

27 Jun 2017

Thustmaster Expands Its Waterjets Team

Marine propulsion and thrusters manufacturer Thrustmaster of Texas announced that Leonard Hill and Jason Hill have joined its waterjet team, bringing with them more than 65 years of experience in waterjet design, manufacturing and sales. Leonard Hill began his waterjet career at Jacuzzi Brothers waterjet division in 1978, and in 1984 purchased the waterjet product line from Jacuzzi to start North American Marine Jet (NAMJet). Leonard invented and introduced a new style of jet to the market place known as the TRAKTOR JET, which combines all the features of the conventional waterjet with higher thrust, especially at low vessel speeds.

21 Feb 2017

Dive Support Vessel Delivered in Brazil

Oceanicasub V, the second of a pair of 43m Monohull Subsea Dive Support Vessels (SDSV), has been delivered for owner and operater Oceanica of Rio de Janeiro for charter by Petrobras. Oceanicasub V was constructed by Arpoador Shipyard in Guaruja’, Brazil. The design is the culmination of a close collaboration by the designer Incat Crowther, builder and operator. The RINA-classed vessel is equipped for a crew complement of 36 and features an array of dive support equipment including deck crane, ROV A-frame, dive bell A-frame, hyperbaric chamber, HIPAP, rescue/workboat with associated davit and all necessary dive operations related spaces and equipment.

28 Dec 2016

Innovative Boats: Marine News' Best of 2016

Image: Vard Marine

Marine News looks back at the past 12 months and showcases the best of North America’s workboat design shop and shipyard output. In a year where some stakeholders might not rank 2016 as the best of years in the shipyard or on the waterfront, we might disagree. And, there is plenty to write about. New contracts, deliveries and designs all combine to show that the collective workboat waterfront is moving forward, with technology, the environment and replacement tonnage requirements as the main drivers.

19 Aug 2016

MN100: Thrustmaster of Texas, Inc.

(Photo: Thrustmaster of Texas, Inc.)

Thrustmaster builds a complete line of Z-Drive azimuthing thrusters from 500 HP to 4,000 HP for the inland towboat industry specifically designed to endure the demanding conditions when operating in brown water. Using Z-Drives on towboats results in substantially improved fuel efficiency, shorter trip times, decreased maintenance downtime and higher customer satisfaction when compared to traditional shaft and rudder installations. All thrusters are developed in-house by a complete engineering department for mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronic design.

04 Aug 2016

Two High-tech SSCVs Ordered in China

OOS Serooskerke rendering (Image: OOS International)

Holding OOS International Group B.V. confirms it has signed a fixed contract for the engineering and construction of two new build Semi-Submersible Crane Vessels (SSCV) with China Merchant Industry Holdings, a fully owned subsidiary of the China Merchant Group. “OOS took a quantum leap within the oil and gas/wind Industry,” said Léon Overdulve, Founder and owner of Holding OOS International Group B.V. OOS will equip its two new SSCVs named OOS Serooskerke and OOS Walcheren with two heavy lift cranes, with a total dual lifting capacity of 4,400T per vessel.

07 Jul 2016

US Flagged Crew Supply Vessel Delivered for BGOS

M/V Glenn Autry (Photo: Incat Crowther)

M/V Glenn Autry, a U.S. flagged 205-foot aluminum monohull crew supply vessel has been delivered for Barry Graham Oil Service (BGOS) of Bayou La Batre, Ala. Designed by Incat Crowther and built by Halimar Shipyard in Morgan City, La., the project involved close collaboration between operator, shipyard and designer that originated with the build of a sister vessel, the M/V John Jacob delivered by Halimar to BGOS in 2014. Driving factors in the design and build process included…

28 Jun 2016

Northern Lights Opens Branch Office in Louisiana

Rick Stinson (Photo: Northern Lights)

Marine power generation and climate control products manufacturer Northern Lights has opened its fifth branch office, in Kenner, La, to enhance service to Gulf and inland waterways boat builders and vessel operators. The new Northern Lights Gulf branch, which will employ a full-time sales, parts and service staff, will warehouse marine, industrial and commercial series products. The new branch will service customers in the Gulf of Mexico and navigable inland waterways in the Midwest and Eastern regions of the U.S., including the region’s key ports: New Orleans, Houston, Pensacola and Paducah.

14 Apr 2016

Incat Crowther Delivers SEACOR Marine’s 2nd FSV

Incat Crowther announced the delivery of Najla McCall, the second vessel in SEACOR Marine’s Express Plus class of Fast Support Vessels (FSV). Sistership to the Alya McCall launched in November last year, Najla McCall has seating capacity for 100 personnel and achieved an operational speed in excess of 38 knots during recent trials. This performance is remarkable for a large vessel of this type and is enabled by a quintet of Cummins QSK 60, EPA Tier 3 compliant diesel engines, each producing 2,680 bhp, the designer said. The engines are coupled to Twin Disc MGX 61500 SC reverse reduction gearboxes driving Hamilton HT-810 water jets through a shafting system by Driveline Service of Portland.

04 Feb 2016

Inland Vessel Profile: USACE’s Dan Reeves

M/V Dan Reeves (Photo by Richard Dollison)

The newly built M/V Dan Reeves was commissioned in January of 2016 for the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Little Rock District. Built by Horizon Shipbuilding, Inc., Bayou La Batre, Ala., overseen by the USACE Marine Design, the 95-foot-long vessel is designed to comply with proposed USCG Subchapter M Requirements. Power and propulsion is provided by tow Cat C32 WOSR “C” Rated main engines, giving 1,300 HP Each at 1,800-2,100rpm, along with two Thrustmaster TM1500MZ Z-Drives with 5.74:1 Reduction Gear Ratio. Fuel Capacity: 22,800 Gal. Potable Water: 7,500 Gal.

04 Dec 2015

Thrustmaster Quick Release: Z-Drives with Mechanical Fuses

Image: Thrustmaster

A highlight of Thrustmaster’s efforts to safeguard its Z-Drive thrusters for towboats operating in the inland waterways are the inclusion of a built-in mechanical fuse or quick release coupling. (Pictured below is torque limiting coupling general assembly drawing and a picture.) The inclusion of a quick release coupling at the input shaft of the Z-drive gives operators added protection from the inevitable debris that can line the riverbed. The quick release coupling acts as a mechanical fuse whenever the drive line is blocked…

19 Nov 2015

Seacor's New Class of Fast Support Vessel Delivered

Image: Seacor/Incat Crowther

The delivery of Alya McCall is significant in that it is the first vessel in a fleet of new class monohull Fast Support Vessels (FSV) for SEACOR Marine. Alya McCall is the first vessel in the SEACOR Express Plus class and features striking lines not ordinarily found in traditional monohull FSV designs. Gulf Craft in Franklin, La. built the 206 x 43 x 9.25 ft. vessel. Alya McCall features seating capacity for 100 personnel and has a top speed of 38 knots. The performance is enabled by five Cummins QSK 60, EPA Tier 3 compliant diesel engines, each producing 2680 bhp.

29 Dec 2015

Two Fast Supply Vessels Launched in Brazil

Photo: Incat Crowther

Two new UT4000 Monohull Fast Supply Vessels designed by Incat Crowther and built by ETP Engenharia Ltda have been launched. The new vessels, Baru Providencia and Baru Antares, are the third and fourth in a 12 vessel series, following on from Baru Gorgona and Baru Macura. According to Incat Crowther, the vessel designs have been optimized to comply with the UT4000 Fast Supply Vessel specification. Ships fuel is in excess of 40,000 liters, with a cargo fuel load of 90,000 liters. There is also capacity for 90,000 liters of cargo fresh water.

28 Oct 2015

EnviroLogic 210EP Approved for Thrustmaster

RSC Bio Solutions announced that its EnviroLogic 210EP readily biodegradable gear oil has been approved for use in Thrustmaster gearboxes and thrusters. With this approval, Thrustmaster has extended its existing relationship with RSC Bio Solutions, whose sustainable technologies are approved for use by Thrustmaster in oil and gas, workboat, deep water, marine and wind construction applications. RSC Bio Solutions describes EnviroLogic 210EP as a non-sheening, readily biodegradable synthetic ISO 100 grade gear oil that offers anti-wear and extreme-pressure properties, corrosion and rust protection and system cleanliness characteristics. It is approved for use in a variety of industrial applications where incidental exposure of oil to the environment is of concern.