GATE RUDDER™ manoeuvring device - Wärtsilä

GATE RUDDER™ by Wärtsilä is an innovative energy-saving and manoeuvring device with a unique design formed of two foils on either side of the propeller. During transits, the resulting thrust performance benefits from the hydrodynamic effects of the propeller and steering system. Unlike a traditional rudder arrangement, during transits the gate rudder foils can rotate their angular position, changing the hydrodynamic load on both the propeller and the foils. This is proven to have a positive effect on efficiency, particularly during varying sea conditions, weather or currents. For manoeuvring purposes, the function of the foils changes to a thrust-directing device. The resulting reduction in fuel consumption depends on the vessel type, its operational profile and on the reference propeller and rudder. The main application for gate rudder technology so far are single screw vessels. Vessels with a gate rudder technology installed, have reported fuel savings as high as 20%.