Bow thruster applications

Our bow thrusters can be used on river and seagoing vessels, ferries, inland vessels and pontoons. The bow thruster is available in various propeller sizes and with various horsepower and available with electric and diesel engines. The bow thrusters are available with propeller diameters from 500 mm to 2000 mm.

Van Wijk can supply two types of bow thrusters: the channel bow thruster and the grid bow thruster. Van Wijk bow thrusters can be used on inland vessels, ferries, barges, pontoons and seagoing vessels.

Channel bow thruster

The channel bow thruster is reliable and has a high thrust force. The operation of the channel bow thruster is simple in its concept: water is sucked in from underneath the vessel by means of a horizontally rotating thruster. The generated current is deflected in the propeller unit and directed into the canals.

The drum of the channel bow thruster can be rotated 360 degrees. The bow thruster steers and reacts very accurately as a result.

Grid model bow thruster

The grid model bow thruster can be supplied with a propeller diameter from 500 to 1650 mm and with an engine power of 100 to 1000 hp. Steering grids are extremely suitable for inland vessels. The limited installation space on board and the shallow seabed of many rivers make the compactness of the grid model even more prominent. The grid is controlled by a hydraulic system and the grid is controlled by a hydraulic motor. The discharge grate of the bow thruster is directed downwards.

The Van Wijk grid bow thruster requires a limited installation height and is therefore extremely suitable for inland navigation. Of course we can also build in the bow thrusters. We decide together with you on the possibilities and the requirements for your built-in bow thruster. You can also contact us for repairs to bow thrusters, re-motorisation and so forth. We will make your bow thruster perfectly operational again. Please feel free to contact us.

Grid model

Our type C grid model can be supplied with a propeller diameter from 500 to 1650 mm and with an engine power of 100 to 1000 hp. Steering grids can be specified hydraulically, electrically or by means of a diesel engine. They can serve as main, auxiliary or emergency propulsion. The streamlined compact construction guarantees reliable and efficient operation with high thrust. The grate model is placed in the plane of the ship and thus increases the manoeuvrability of the ship without interrupting the line of the hull.

Steering grids are ideally suited for inland vessels. The limited installation space on board and the shallow bottom of many rivers make the compactness of the grid model even more prominent. The grid is controlled by a hydraulic motor: it can be rotated 360 degrees and can be path- or time-dependent.

For safety, we use a double start protection, an alarm for heat development and oil pressure and in the event of a short circuit, the installation is automatically switched off.

Van Wijk steering grids consist of a horizontal impeller, which pumps up water under the ship and forces it through an inflow channel in one side (front or rear) of the device. Once in this channel, the water flow is deflected by a 180° bend to the other side (rear or front), where the discharge channel is located.

The outflow channel has a downward-facing grille that can be rotated 360° clockwise or counterclockwise. As the diffuser is equipped with laterally angled blades, the thrust force can be directed precisely to the desired side. The thrust force depends on the speed of the drive shaft. The control grid consists of two separate drive systems: one for the propeller and another for the rotating discharge grid.