Kongsberg Maritime has launched a new Direct Trunk Support (DTS) system which aims to boost rudder performance.
Kongsberg Maritime’s new Direct Trunk Support rudder system reduces the forces from manoeuvring to the steering system
The new system transfers the manoeuvring forces from the rudder through the headbox and the steering gear deck directly into the hull structure, promising improved manoeuvring, propulsion performance and weight savings.
“Today, replacement and modernisation of propulsion and manoeuvring systems are key drivers for newbuilds and aftermarket sales,” said Andreas Malmkvist, SVP Propeller & Shaftline Systems, Kongsberg.
“For Kongsberg, DTS is a significant opportunity to cover a larger market and provide customers with a long-term solution to help them meet their goals.”
For all vessels
The DTS rudder has no upper size limit and works for vessels of any size, from container ships to fishing vessels, and in any segment, from naval ships to superyachts.
It eliminates the radial forces and bending moment transferred from the rudder blade to the steering gear. This is accomplished with an extended pipe integrated into the rudder trunk. This means that the rudder stock (torque shaft) in the DTS system only transfers torque and axial loads.
Some of the most important benefits of the new DTS system come in the design phase of a ship. The improved load distribution gives ship designer more flexibility in the aft ship design, which enables a lower positioned steering gear deck. This gives greater storage capacity to any vessel. The DTS system also gives ship owners the option to choose smaller steering gear, since the DTS system only transfers torque load.
The improvement in load distribution allows more freedom in the design of the rudder blade. Higher aspect ratios and slimmer, full-spade rudder designs are possible, which improves the overall performance of the vessel.
When combined with Kongsberg’s PROMAS system, which integrates the propeller and rudder into a single system to improve hydrodynamic efficiency, the potential for DTS technology is even greater. The new design freedom for rudders and propellers together allows for remarkable improvements in propulsion efficiency and fuel savings.
