L-Drive Azimuth Thruster

An L-drive is a type of azimuth thruster where the electric motor is mounted vertically, removing the second bevel gear from the drivetrain. Azimuth thruster pods can be rotated through a full 360 degrees, allowing for rapid changes in thrust direction and eliminating the need for a conventional rudder. This form of power transmission is called an L-drive because the rotary motion has to make one right angle turn, thus looking a bit like the letter "L". This name is used to make clear the arrangement of drive is different from Z-drive.

Jinbo marine’s L-Drives fixed pitch propeller, thru-hull, azimuth thrusters are configured for vertical variable speed electric motor input. Sizes range from 45kW to 2200kW with a wide selection of reduction ratios and propeller/nozzle diameters to suit the application requirements. Thrusters can be supplied complete with electric motors and variable frequency drives or they can be made to fit flange and shaft end of a customer supplied or shipyard supplied electric motor. They are available with open wheel or with nozzle.