The Dutch Thruster Group (DTG) serves the maritime market with a distinctive approach to design, technology and management. We combine 30 years of expertise in drive systems with 20 years of experience in engineering and project management in the marine-, military- and offshore industry.
In collaboration with naval architects, customers and suppliers we continuously expand our product range. The DTG office is based in Rotterdam, the main port of Europe. For best service on local needs we work with agents worldwide.
DTG staff is at your service from the initial design phase to onboard installation, ensuring flexible and professional support throughout your order. Our commercial grade products are known for rock solid reliability and meet all class requirements. All standard and customized products are designed and manufactured in the Netherlands.
Design philosophy
- High efficiency with the smallest possible tunnel diameter
- Easy manoeuvring with dynamic power control
- Heavy duty bearings and gears
- Easy maintenance
Bearings and gears
The bearings have been calculated for a design life of a minimum of 30,000 hrs. Both drive and propeller shafts are supported in tapered roller and thrust bearings. The gears are of Klingelnberg Cyclo-palloid HPG SP design, meaning that the teeth are case hardened and finished with HPG cutting according to DIN 3965 Class 6/ AGMA Class 10-12. This to ensure very smooth running and high efficiency.
Gear housing
The GME Thruster up to 70 KW is executed in seawater-resistant bronze or Nibral for aluminium boats. The larger thrusters over 70 kW are built from nodular cast iron housing and equipped with oversized shafts, bearings and gear-sets.
Power transmission
GME thrusters can directly be coupled to the drive of the prime mover. Power is transmitted via a single pair of bevel gears to the propeller. Thrust direction is reversed through an intermediate reverse gear on diesel applications or by reversing electric or hydraulic motor direction.
The versatile GME thruster accepts either horizontal or vertical drive applications. This optimises prime mover location and ensures economical and space-saving installation.
Propeller design
The standard Kaplan propellers are designed for optimum thrust efficiency. The large blade area and shape keeps the cavitation volume low to minimise noise and achieve optimum comfort levels inside the boat.
Seals
High quality seals are fitted to the propeller shaft and pinion shaft to prevent water ingress and oil leakage. All seals can be replaced without dismantling the complete thruster unit.
Oil lubrication
The lubrication system consists of a header tank placed above the waterline to obtain overpressure in the system. From 90kW the oil system is provided with a manual pump for system oil changes without docking.
Tunnels
The aluminium mild steel or FRP tunnel section is reinforced and can be welded or laminated directly into the hull. For steel hulls a stainless steel liner (optional) is welded into the tunnel area of the propeller to prevent local erosion. We can provide specialist advice about tunnel location and entrance port design.
Control system
The control system has been specially developed to satisfy all Class requirements and meet the demands of modern ship owners. Being of modular design the control system can easily be updated from a simple set-up to a full joystick system with a VDR or DP interface.
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