Brunvoll Expands Product Range with Largest Tunnel Thrusters to Date for a Series of Cruise Ships

Brunvoll expands its product range of tunnel thrusters with its largest thruster to date. This is a response based on trends seen in the cruise industry, where they build larger and larger vessels. The first delivery of this new size is for three cruise vessels, where each vessel will feature four tunnel thrusters. The contract is with an undisclosed shipyard and shipowner.

Brunvoll’s delivery for the vessels consists of in total 12 tunnel thrusters of the new FU135-series. These thrusters will have a power output of 4.000 kW each and have a controllable pitch propeller with a diameter of 3.5 meters. The tunnel thrusters will also be delivered with tunnel extensions cut to the hulls shape for easy installation and integration at the shipyard.

The new FU135-series offers a wide power range, with a power output up to 5.100 kW dependant on use. This new size of tunnel thruster has been developed based on trends in market with slightly larger cruise vessel and that Brunvoll sees continuous growth in the shipbuilding market for these types of units in the years to come. The cruise passenger levels have reached pre-covid levels and forecasted to grow with 11 percent annually until 2030.

Illustration of the tunnel thruster, FU135, with one of our Brunvoll mechanics as a size-reference.

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Statement on the new contract and thruster size from Lars Myklebust, Sales Manager at Brunvoll:

“This contract is a significant milestone for Brunvoll as we expand our product range to meet the evolving needs of the cruise industry. With the market experiencing steady growth, the development of the new FU135 series is a direct response to the demand for larger and more powerful thrusters, ensuring optimal manoeuvrability and efficiency for modern cruise vessels.

We are proud to be selected as the supplier for this project and look forward to seeing these vessels in operation—perhaps even sailing along the Norwegian coast one day."

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