For each ship, we can offer a solution that is specifically catered to the ship's design, the ship's sailing area and the customer's preferences. Bow thrusters play a prominent role in shipping and are almost as important as the main propulsion. That is why reliability and life-span have become important factors; both of which are engrained into our family business. All bow thrusters are available in diesel, electric, hybrid or hydraulically driven versions.
Tunnel bow thruster type Bèta
The propeller, which is installed vertically in a round tunnel, supplies propulsion to starboard or port. This is the most effective bow thruster in terms of yield/propulsion per kW.
Steering grid type Gamma
Because inland ships have a flat surface at the bow, Kalkman saw the opportunity to develop a bow thruster that...
Channel thruster type Delta
They are characterised by a horizontal propeller, which sucks up water from under the ship and uses a revolving thrust drum to thrust it through one of the tubes.
Beta spits
The Spits is an advanced version of the bèta bow thruster. Suction and propulsion in this P-SB bow thruster take place at the bottom of the ship, which means it can also be used in shallow waters.
Sigma
When the ship is deep enough, it is also possible to install a combination of a tube bow thruster and a control grid bow thruster.
Epsilon
In order to use the bow thruster for emergency propulsion, Kalkman has developed a special type of bow thruster which can also be used for sailing.
Tunnel bow thruster type Bèta 24 Volt
Kalkman Scheepstechniek has developed a 24-Volt Bèta bow thruster specifically for small (passenger) ships and recreation vessels.