CAT^® TWIN FIN

The Twin Fin concept combines the advantages of a compact azimuth thruster system with the high efficiency of a conventional propeller (CP). This innovative solution improves uptime, fuel savings and flexibility compared to conventional options.

The Twin Fin concept lends itself well for retrofitting with minimum downtime, as the entire system can be pre-assembled before docking.

Reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly operation.

Increased thrust and higher performance

Double skeg drive offers greater thrust with less input power. This is possible thanks to the use of larger screws with the shaft rotating at low speed and minimizing mechanical losses.

Easier maintenance and easy access for servicing

Easy access to the engine compartment from the inside of the hull

No need to use a dry dock for repair

Gearbox and engine/electric motors as well as the internal seal of the shaft pipe can be replaced from a higher deck, making it ideal for inaccessible locations such as the Arctic.

Increased reliability and flexibility

Components and techniques tried and tested in the most difficult conditions and adapted to each ship through flexibility in designing and setting skegs.

Reduced fuel consumption and a greener approach

Hydrodynamically designed skegs combined with an efficient propulsion system ensure a homogeneous water flow to the screws, which means less fuel consumption, less pollution and less noise.

Increased cargo space and load capacity

Placing engines in skegs instead of in the hull increases the cargo space and buoyancy, and thus the load capacity of the vessel.

Safety tested in the Arctic

The design is similar to that of single-screw vessels, with extreme reliability even under the toughest conditions. Skegs protect the power train and can also be equipped with icebreaking blades.

Easy retrofitting with very short downtimes at the shipyard

Prefabricated, fully-equipped skegs specially adapted to the ship simplify and speed up the modernization process.

DOUBLE SKEG DRIVE – conventional, yet slightly atypical

The most common source of propulsion for modern seagoing vessels are azimuthal propellers thrusters powered by diesel and electric engines. However, ships equipped with this type of propulsion are more vulnerable to damage, especially in demanding conditions beyond the polar circle – failure of angular gears or other mechanical parts often makes it necessary to do a dry dock repair.
A more reliable alternative may be a traditional diesel-electric or mechanical drive with long shaft systems and power plants located inside the hull. On the other hand, the gearbox and engines take up valuable space and installing them on a azimuthal thruster ship is a challenge.
Solution?
Caterpillar Marine, Odense Maritime Technology and Scandinavian Marine Group have joined forces to develop a compact double-skeg design based on proven and robust components.
The system is designed for diesel-electric drive ships which have to meet the most rigorous requirements. The system can be installed in new vessels as well as quickly and easily retrofitted to existing ships equipped with azimuthal thrusters. The possibilities are endless – talk to us about how you see your future.

UNIQUE REQUIREMENTS?
WE HAVE GOT THE BEST SOLUTION

Based on Caterpillar Marine’s knowledge and experience, we have developed propulsion systems, including engines, services and support to help you meet even the toughest requirements. We go out to meet them, listening carefully to your needs.
In cooperation with you and our partners, we will analyse your ship’s structure, routes and tasks – everything that affects hydrodynamics, engine requirements and productivity. Using all our knowledge and experience, we will not rest until you are fully satisfied with our optimized and reliable solution.
We look forward to hearing about your needs and showing you how a double skeg drive can deliver long lasting performance and peace of mind – now and in the future.
If your ship is currently powered by azimuthal thrusters, installing a double skeg drive is trivially easy and fast. Since the system is produced as a whole, the working time and stay at the shipyard is kept to an absolute minimum – maybe even up to one third of the standard upgrade time! After all, every hour counts.