Abstract: A large ship having a hull about 100 meters or more in length, so that the ship is suited for transoceanic traffic, with a narrow wedge-like bow and the broadest part of the underwater hull being located amidships, includes at least one steerable rudder propeller device at the forebody of the ship. The steerable rudder propeller device(s) at the forebody of the ship substantially provide(s) the steering and control of the ship and produce(s) a part of the propulsive force pushing the ship forward at least substantially within all speed ranges. In harbour manoeuvering, the steerable rudder propeller device(s) at the forebody of the ship provide(s), as needed, at least about 20% of the ship's total propulsive power. When steering ahead in sea traffic, the steerable rudder propeller device(s) at the forebody of the ship provide(s) at most about 10% of the ship's total propulsive power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering and propulsion arrangement in a large ship suited for transoceanic traffic, which arrangement comprises a number of propulsion devices situated partly at the rear and partly at the forebody of the ship. The forebody of the ship is provided with one or more steerable rudder propeller devices, which are arranged so as to substantially provide the steering and control of the ship, to produce a substantial part of the propulsive force pushing the ship forward at least substantially within all speed ranges, and in addition, arranged so that they do not extend, at least not significantly, below the base line of the ship.