Abstract: The present invention relates to a propeller drive arrangement and a method for moving and steering a vessel. The arrangement comprises an azimuthing propulsion unit and operating equipment for turning said azimuthing propulsion unit to steer the vessel. The operating equipment comprises an electric motor for rotating said propulsion unit by means of a mechanical power transmission machinery connected to said electric motor. A power unit supplies electric power to said electric motor. A control unit controls the operation of said electric motor by controlling said power unit. The arrangement also comprises a sensor device for detecting the rotational position of said azimuthing propulsion unit. A control unit is arranged to process steering command information from a control means and turning position information from said sensor device and to control the operation of said electric motor on the basis of this processing.

Abstract: A propeller drive arrangement for moving and steering a vessel traveling in water. The propeller drive arrangement includes an azimuthing propulsion unit, a power supply, a control unit, and a sensor means. An operating means is provided for turning the azimuthing propulsion unit it relation to the hull of the vessel for steering the vessel in accordance with a steering command controlled by the vessel's steering control device. The operating means also includes a second electric motor for turning the azimuthing propulsion unit via a mechanical power transmission that is connected to the second electric motor. The sensor means is connected to the control unit and used for detecting the rotational position of the azimuthing propulsion unit. The control unit is configured so that both the steering command information originating from the steering control device and the rotational position information originating from the sensor means can be processed.

Abstract: A main propulsion device of a ship includes a turnable underwater propeller pod, a screw propeller journalled in the propeller pod at one end thereof and a substantially vertical turning shaft journalled at its upper end portion in the ship3 s hull and attached at its lower end portion to the propeller pod. The upper end portion of the turning shaft is offset relative to the lower end portion of the turning shaft perpendicular to the propeller plane toward the propeller.

Abstract: An arrangement for the transfer of electric current, a liquid medium and a gaseous medium between fixed and rotatable sections. A protective casing surrounds sliding brushes pressing against sliding surfaces. A passage for each medium is parallel with rotation and arranged at a boundary surface between the fixed and rotating sections. Passage transfer pipes in both sections communicate with the passages. A collector chamber arranged in the fixed section and an outlet pipe lead the gaseous medium out of the tubular rotating section. The arrangement for the transfer of a liquid medium is coaxially arranged inside the arrangement for the transfer of electric current. The protective casing provides a collector chamber for the gaseous medium.

Abstract: A ship propulsion unit includes a propeller pod (14) provided with a propulsion propeller (15) and a turnable shaft (2) attached to the propulsion pod. The turnable shaft is journalled in the hull (1) of the ship by a rotation bearing (4) mounted in the hull and a rotation mechanism (3) mounted in the hull is coupled to the turnable shaft for turning the shaft. A seal (5) is provided in an annular space (9) between the turnable shaft and the hull for protecting the rotation bearing and the rotation mechanism. The propulsion unit is releasably attached to the hull by an attachment mechanism (6) which holds the propulsion unit in an operative position relative to the hull. A support arrangement (7, 8; 11, 12, 13) supports the propulsion unit at a position below its operative position when the attachment mechanism is released.