Top 5 Benefits of ZF Marine’s Industry-Leading Thrusters

In 2007, ZF Marine blazed new trails when it developed the first-ever azimuth thrusters for inland waterways. Southern Towing Co. adopted these innovative products, which offered revolutionary 360-degree control, for their new-build program – a decision that proved to not only be safer and more efficient, but also more cost effective. Today, ZF Marine continues to set the industry standard by developing marine thrusters for commercial and fast vessels that are tailored to each customer and application.

Here are the Top 5 reasons why ZF Marine continues to lead the way in the marine thruster market:

  1. Adaptability to many types of propeller systems
    ZF Marine offers a comprehensive range of azimuth and tunnel thruster solutions for commercial and fast vessels. The company’s line of thrusters boast a power range from 100 to 2,500 kW, which can be matched with diesel, electric or hydraulic prime movers. These thrusters can also be paired with an open propeller, counter-rotating propellers or with a nozzle. Each thruster is typically equipped with a control system that enables both steering and propulsion control of the ship.
  2. Better safety and maneuverability

    As demonstrated with Southern Towing Company, ZF Marine’s thrusters helped their vessels achieve better maneuverability and handling compared to traditional shaftline vessels. This improved performance reduces operational risk by offering 100-percent thrust in all directions.

  3. Reduced fuel consumption
    The optimized performance that ZF Marine thrusters provide also translates to reduced fuel consumption. Many customers report saving between 10 to 20 percent in fuel costs, as compared a traditional shaft line vessel. 
  4. Innovation that continuously improves efficiency
    In February 2022, ZF launched a new thruster product, the ZF AT 80. This innovative thruster is now available as a 360-degree steerable thruster, as a retractable propulsion system or as a bow thruster. Its hydrodynamically optimized shaped underwater housing reduces drag and improves cavitation behavior. This increases the overall efficiency of the propulsion system. Further, the lean and flat design helps save valuable installation space in the hull.Because this propulsion system’s efficiency is higher, operators tangibly can reduce CO2 emissions. Leakages are detected early with a future-oriented, double-chamber sealing system. As a result, the model range meets current and future stricter environmental regulations.

    In combination with a resistance-optimized nozzle, the achievable speed is improved – a feature particularly useful for passenger ships, such as ferries. ZF also offers a thrust-optimized nozzle, which impresses with its improved bollard pull, useful for tugs and work boats. In every way this propulsion system meets the highest requirements for robustness, efficiency and availability.

  5. Future proof and electrification ready
    The marine industry is rapidly evolving, and today’s generation of captains are embracing new technologies. As a wave of electrification enters, the ZF Marine thruster portfolio is well positioned to meet the new coming requirements. Already available and on the market, ZF Marine offers thruster solutions that integrate with electric systems, especially those in the ferry and workboat market. ZF Marine thrusters are one tool vessel owners can use to help bridge the gap to zero emissions or net-zero emissions now and in the future.

In addition to the above advantages, customers also benefit from the worldwide availability of spare parts through all the ZF service points in the global ZF Marine network. Thanks to the ZF Service Readiness Program with selected and qualified service partners, spare parts and service expertise are 24/7 available worldwide. Click here for more information or find a dealer closest to you on ZF Marine’s Commercial Thruster Dealer Map.

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ZF Marine to Premier New 4600 POD Propulsion System for First Time in North American Markets During Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

  • Marine driveline specialist ZF brings large POD propulsion to vessels measuring up to 130 feet

  • Optimized design leads to better performance with lower fuel consumption

  • North American launch follows European debut aboard an Azimut Grande 26M yacht

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., USA. During this week’s Fort Lauderdale Boat Show (FLIBS), ZF Marine will premier its new 4600 POD Propulsion System for large vessels for the first time in North American markets. ZF Marine will showcase this technology, as well as its next-generation TotalCommand control system, in FLIBS Booth #1078 from October 26 – 30, 2022.

After successfully establishing its inboard and outboard propulsion technology for all ranges of boats and yachts in the boating market, marine driveline specialist ZF is now bringing unrivaled performance and efficiency to large recreational and commercial vessels throughout North America. The 4600 POD Propulsion system provides speed and unmatched maneuverability to vessels measuring from 80 up to 130 feet. It first set sail in the Grande 26M motor yacht by Azimut last fall, but has been unavailable outside of European markets until now.

Combining engineering expertise with decades-long market experience, ZF continues its track record in high-performing marine driveline solutions with the 4600 POD Propulsion system. Designed for vessels with planing and semi-displacement hulls measuring up to 130 feet and compatible with all main OEM engines up to 1,700 hp at a maximum of 2,450 rpm, the new drive technology is suitable for a wide range of recreational and commercial applications.

“We know that shipbuilders around the world count on ZF to bring power, performance, and reliability to an expanding variety of vessels. And that’s exactly what we accomplished with the 4600 POD Propulsion system for larger craft,” states Federico Decio, Managing Director of ZF in Padua and Head of the Pleasure Craft Product Line.

Progress in propulsion
The 4600 POD Propulsion system can be configured in a twin unit installation (for vessels measuring 80 to 100 feet) and triple unit layout (for ships measuring up to 130 feet), depending on the application. For recreational vessels, this includes both planing and semi-displacement yachts; commercial applications include pilot boats, supply vessels, small ferries as well as patrol and rescue boats.

Twice the power at lower fuel consumption
To achieve these goals, ZF relied on its strengths in innovation and know-how in state-of-the-art engineering. The 4600 POD possess an optimized hydrodynamic shape which significantly reduces the drag of the submerged parts. This supports contra-rotating propellers and improves the overall horizontal thrust of the propulsion system.

Inside the 4600 POD, ZF has leveraged its automotive and off-highway experience with newly designed gearing. Its 2.434:1 gear reduction allows for larger propellers (up to 38.5” diameter), boosting efficiency even further. Compared to other pod systems on the market, the 4600 POD System is up to twice as powerful while still consuming up to 15 percent less fuel than a traditional shaftline propulsion system. On larger vessels, the 4600 POD system allows designers to reduce the number of POD units typically required to reach the desired speed. This reduces the complexity of onboard systems and reduces the vessel’s drag, further improving propulsion efficiency. All in all, the streamlined design and contra-rotating propellers of the system are optimized for maximum speeds between 20 and 32 knots.

More space and comfort
Besides better performance and precise maneuverability, the 4600 POD Propulsion System gives ship builders more freedom during the design phase. The engines can be mounted further aft, reducing the engine room length, and thus increasing available space for accommodations on recreational vessels and providing larger working areas on commercial vessels. Compared to conventional shaftline systems, the 4600 POD’s mounting solution with large rubber seals reduces structural vibrations and consequently, structural noise. The engine can also be installed on softer elastic mounts since it does not have to absorb the propeller thrust.

The system comes with an integrated exhaust and clutch which eliminates the need for an additional gearbox. ZF also supplies integrated hydraulic steering and state-of-the-art TotalCommand controls which includes the dynamic positioning feature iAnchor. Furthermore, the PODs are hybrid-ready – a highly desired feature in times of more stringent emission regulations in ports and other waterways.

Also on display: TotalCommand Control System

TotalCommand System
ZF Marine will also showcase its TotalCommand control system which debuted last year at FLIBS. TotalCommand is ZF’s next-generation propulsion control platform that includes advanced functionalities to complement ZF’s industry-leading transmission technology. TotalCommand intelligence enables adaptive gear engagement and near-instant clutch responsiveness through optimized proportional control valves.

TotalCommand also provides telematics data (temperature, pressure, and output speed) via embedded sensors in ZF transmissions, so the captain has complete visibility to the health and function of the entire propulsion system. ZF TotalCommand provides both recreational and commercial vessels unprecedented control and precision with smooth shifting and seamless transitions between operating modes.

TotalCommand delivers unrivaled vessel control. Click here for full details.

About ZF Friedrichshafen AG

ZF is a global technology company and supplies systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, enabling the next generation of mobility. ZF allows vehicles to see, think and act. In the four technology domains Vehicle Motion Control, Integrated Safety, Automated Driving, and Electric Mobility, ZF offers comprehensive solutions for established vehicle manufacturers and newly emerging transport and mobility service providers. ZF electrifies vehicles in a wide range of categories. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions and protecting the climate.

ZF, which acquired WABCO Holdings Inc. on May 29, 2020, now has 160,000 employees worldwide with approximately 260 locations in 41 countries. In 2019, the two then-independent companies achieved sales of €36.5 billion (ZF) and $3.4 billion (WABCO).

For further press information and photos, please visit: www.zf.com.

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ZF Marine Hires George Lewis as New Head of Product Line Commercial-Fast Craft, North/Central America & Caribbean

• Lewis brings 15+ years of sales and technical engineering across recreational and commercial marine sectors
• His knowledge and experience is an asset for ZF Marine customers, partners and the industry as a whole

Miramar, Fla., USA. ZF Marine announces today the hire of George Lewis as new head of product line commercial-fast craft, North/Central America and the Caribbean, reporting to Wolfgang Schmid, ZF’s Industrial Division Head for North America.

“ZF Marine welcomes George aboard and looks forward to the positive impact he will have upon the company’s sales across the Americas and Caribbean,” said Schmid. “With his deep industry knowledge and technical skill as a trained naval architect and proven sales leader, George is sure to be a valued asset for our customers, partners and the industry as a whole.”

With this position effective immediately, Lewis is now operating from ZF Marine’s headquarters in Miramar, Fla.

Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering from Virginia Tech University and a certificate in yacht design from The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design. He has multiple years of technical engineering and sales experience across the recreational and commercial marine sector on a boatbuilding- and component-level. Lewis previously worked at Humphree AB, as regional sales manager, Southeast USA, and at Sea Ray Boats, in Merritt Island, Fla., where he held the positions of senior naval architect and naval propulsion supervisor for sport cruisers and sport boats.

About ZF Friedrichshafen AG
ZF is a global technology company and supplies systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, enabling the next generation of mobility. ZF allows vehicles to see, think and act. In the four technology domains Vehicle Motion Control, Integrated Safety, Automated Driving, and Electric Mobility, ZF offers comprehensive solutions for established vehicle manufacturers and newly emerging transport and mobility service providers. ZF electrifies vehicles in a wide range of categories. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions and protecting the climate.

ZF, which acquired WABCO Holdings Inc. on May 29, 2020, now has 160,000 employees worldwide with approximately 260 locations in 41 countries. In 2019, the two then-independent companies achieved sales of €36.5 billion (ZF) and $3.4 billion (WABCO).

For further press information and photos, please visit: www.zf.com.

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ZF Marine Propellers Ensure Optimal Vessel Performance

When considering all the parts that make up the total propulsion system on a boat, it’s easy to focus on larger pieces, such as the engine or transmission, or the portions with the most innovation, such as hybrid or electric technologies. But, when it comes to optimal vessel propulsion, one of the most important basic pieces of equipment often proves the most critical: the propeller.

When a propeller is properly designed and manufactured, vessels can operate with minimal noise and vibration, and at top speeds with the lowest fuel consumption and highest levels of performance. Ask any vessel captain and he or she will tell you that any defect, environmental growth or wear on a propeller is immediately obvious in overall operational performance. The unassuming propeller is truly a fundamental piece to ensuring safe, efficient performance.

The ZF Marine difference

ZF Marine customizes and manufactures each propeller for a particular vessel type, size and operational requirement. The company’s close association with some of the leading schools of hydrodynamic design have helped shape its propeller families to be some of the best in efficiency and robust design. In-house architects develop bespoke propellers that solve even the most challenging of applications and hull designs. Experts craft final these products at ZF Marine’s manufacturing facility in a variety of sizes, from 20 to 60 inches, in either Nibral or bronze.

“When you select a ZF Marine propeller, you’re not just getting one of the industry’s top products, you’re also gaining access to the company’s exceptional customer support platform and global dealer network, which can provide assistance and replacement, no matter where you are in the world,” said ZF Marine’s David Santos, Senior Sales Manager. “For this reason, the benefits of using a ZF Marine propeller are compounded when an operator also has ZF Marine transmissions, controls and thrusters.  There are no gaps in the level of support, quality and care across the full propulsion system.”

Consider the best propeller during repowers

Propellers are an important decision not only for those constructing new builds, but also for vessel owners who are re-powering or considering a propulsion system replacement. ZF Marine supports these projects by designing perfectly suited new propellers.

“During a repower, a vessel’s horsepower or RPM could change, which may necessitate a propeller adjustment to ensure ideal operational performance,” explained Santos. “ZF Marine can evaluate an owner’s needs early on in the process to ensure a smooth and timely project.”

It’s all about quality

When it comes to quality, ZF Marine provides transparency and trust around each propeller’s efficiency, performance and durability.

“Our propellers are aboard some of the world’s fastest ferries, on award-winning sportfishing boats and on leading commercial fishing vessels, and among so many other applications,” said Santos. “Our relationships in the marine market are unmatched – we are well known for our incredible quality and value.  Through our dealer network, we will do everything in our power to guide a customer toward selecting the best product for their application.

Whether your vessel is commercial or recreational, count on ZF Marine for trusted propulsion systems.  If you’re ready to build new, repower or replace your propulsion system, it’s always a smart decision to talk to the experts at ZF Marine for advice and solutions first. The results will likely save you time, money and hassle in the future.

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ZF’s Quality Marine Transmissions and Service are a Winning Combination

Since 1935, ZF Marine has offered some of the industry’s top performing marine transmissions. While the models have changed from the original lightweight versions to today’s full portfolio of transmissions, accessories, and options – that include electric and mechanical shift, trolling valves, auto-troll, two-speed arrangements for both inboard and outboard propulsion, 105-S FNR transmissions for ZEUS Pods monitoring kits, brackets, coolers, torsional couplings, Power Take-Off (PTO) and Power Take-In (PTI) technology – the product quality and customer support remain unchanged. Today, operators can turn to the transmission experts at ZF for new build projects, repowers, consultations and repairs of inboard commercial and recreational boats.

“ZF has been manufacturing world-class marine transmissions for so long and has developed such a strong reputation for quality, that customers turn to us again and again for their vessel propulsion needs,” said Keith Stanley, Senior Manager, Pleasure Craft, for ZF’s Industrial Technology Division – North America & Central America. “In my tenure with the company, I’ve seen vessels operate with ZF transmissions for more than 30,000 hours without issue.”

 

Though ZF products are highly rated and trusted, the reality of the marine transmission market is that there are several leading brands that offer products of similar price, form, fit and function. Savvy clients know this, yet continue to choose ZF.

“The products are trusted and proven, but our service and product portfolio are two other key factors that help us to stand out,” explained Stanley.

Two of those factors include the company’s global service network and +1-833-ZFWRENCH service hotline that allows customers to call anytime day or night with questions about their transmissions, repower projects, for consultations and troubleshooting, and to secure after-market parts. Another is the transmissions team, which includes David Friedenberg, principal engineer, who Stanley fondly calls “the Godfather of application engineering.”

“David is brilliant and an invaluable asset for our customers,” said Stanley. “This collective team, along with sales and engineering, go above and beyond to understand and explore customers’ applications to ensure they’re getting the exact model they need and to solve any challenges. Our relationships with clients is a priority.”

Another way that ZF stands apart from the competition is by way of innovation. ZF recently partnered with Mercury Marine to develop the world’s first 2-speed transmission with automatic shifting for the 600 hp Verado outboard. The technology is groundbreaking and the market is advancing quickly as a result.  Additionally, commercially available hybrid-capable transmission models are available, including the ZF 3000, 5000, 9000, 11,000, 24,000 and 40,000 series, with more to come.  Among other benefits, installing hybrid transmissions enables vessels to operate with reduced emissions.

The company is also working on an advanced line of “smart” transmissions that will provide predictive maintenance features, as well as remote monitoring.

“If a customer has a SIREN Marine monitoring system onboard, he can actually interface with a ZF transmission today,” said Stanley. “The Siren system is straightforward to install and offers a specific ZF software tile that allows operators to perform remote monitoring immediately, assuming transmission pressures and temperatures are broadcast on the network. There is some other really cool stuff in the pipeline, and we can’t wait to share it with our customers.”

Whether a client operates an inboard commercial vessel or recreational boat, the ZF team is committed to ensuring the right transmission is purchased and that its installation or any future support needed is easy.

“We’ve been doing this for almost 90 years. We have an incredible amount of experience in boat design and manufacturing. Inherent in ZF’s DNA, we are incredibly process driven which is one of our core strengths, but we embrace innovative technologies, too,” said Stanley. “A vessel owner just can’t go wrong with a ZF transmission.”

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Offering Concierge Service via +1 833-ZFWRENCH Hotline

For more than 100 years, ZF Marine has provided commercial and recreational boaters with industry leading marine propulsion systems that include transmissions, controls, propellers, fly-by-wire steering, thrusters and more. The company is an innovative, reliable partner for both marine propulsion components and complete systems for all types of vessels. Whether building new or repowering existing vessels, customers know they can count on ZF Marine to keep their vessels moving on the water.

Providing industry-leading parts and systems is only part of ZF’s commitment to clients. ZF also prioritizes a high-level of customer care.  This care continues with the availability of a toll-free hotline, +1 833-ZFWRENCH, which customers can call 24/7 for technical support.

“Our goal is to provide concierge-level service to our customers,” explained ZF Marine’s Craig Bush, senior field service representative. “The idea is to provide one phone number that helps customers leverage our technical support experience and knowledge.”

“After hours, weekends, evenings – it’s all part of the job,” Bush said. “ZF has flown technicians out to commercial customers the day following a weekend call so they can resume business-critical operations as quickly as possible. I even helped one recreational customer reset his controls to restore propulsion during an offshore fishing tournament. We take personal pride in helping customers and in troubleshooting challenges. There’s no way to know what the next call will be – maybe clients need help checking the oil or need to source a hard-to-find part – but it gives me a good feeling to serve them.”

Talk to an expert 24/7

ZF’s knowledgeable service team, which has more than a century of combined marine experience, answers the hotline around the clock.

“With one phone call our clients have access to not only excellent technical support, but direct access to our parts division,” explained Pablo Nunez, ZF’s aftermarket parts manager. “This team can provide professional advice on questions related to driveline technology or can help source spare parts, aftermarket parts, lubricants and more.”

Nunez, who supports clients from ZF Marine’s Miramar, Fla., office, has more than 30 years’ experience alone working with marine engines.

“We want to increase the level of awareness that this hotline is available as a source of top-level technical support for customers. ZF stands by our products and have the knowledge needed to streamline parts and service activities,” Nunez said.

In addition to offering excellent customer service, ZF Marine is committed to continuously developing and improving its systems to meet market requirements. Complying with safety standards, reliability, environmental compatibility, economic operation and customer comfort are top priorities.

“We want our clients to know we are here to take care of them before and after sales,” said Bush. “Our goal is to have customers for life and that starts with high-quality parts and service.”

For maintenance, repair or build support; genuine aftermarket or spare parts; system upgrades; or general information about our products and systems, contact ZF Marine at +1 833-ZFWRENCH or zfmarinepropulsion.com/go.

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Walter Fienco Named Product Line Manager, Commercial Thrusters

  • 15-year industry veteran enhances ZF Marine’s competitiveness in the commercial thruster market
  • Appointment continues emphasis on quality customer care

Miramar, Fla., USA. ZF Marine announced today the appointment of Walter Fienco to the position of Product Line Manager, Commercial Thrusters. In this role, Walter will lead ZF Marine’s commercial thruster product sales across the North and Central American and Caribbean markets.

Fienco brings nearly 15 years of commercial thruster product experience to the position. During his tenure at ZF Marine, he managed/led the company’s engineering, technical support and aftermarket teams to successfully commission customer vessels.

“ZF Marine is thrilled to welcome Walter to this role,” said Wolfgang Schmid, ZF’s Industrial Division Head for North America. “It’s no secret that the commercial thruster market is highly competitive. Walter has not only the right mix of skills to help clients source and implement the best possible thruster solutions, but also to help ZF Marine grow its market share. We look forward to his leadership in this role.”

Prior to this position, Fienco was Senior Engineer, Customer Applications, for ZF Marine. He holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of New Orleans.

About ZF Friedrichshafen AG
ZF is a global technology company and supplies systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, enabling the next generation of mobility. ZF allows vehicles to see, think and act. In the four technology domains Vehicle Motion Control, Integrated Safety, Automated Driving, and Electric Mobility, ZF offers comprehensive solutions for established vehicle manufacturers and newly emerging transport and mobility service providers. ZF electrifies vehicles in a wide range of categories. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions and protecting the climate.

ZF, which acquired WABCO Holdings Inc. on May 29, 2020, now has 160,000 employees worldwide with approximately 260 locations in 41 countries. In 2019, the two then-independent companies achieved sales of €36.5 billion (ZF) and $3.4 billion (WABCO).

For further press information and photos, please visit: www.zf.com.

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ZF Announces the North American Launch of Next Generation Electronic Control System, Showcases Leading Pleasure Craft Technologies at FLIBS 2021

ZF Marine Innovation Continues to Lead the Way

  • ZF offers unrivaled vessel control and maneuverability with newest electronic control system – TotalCommand

  • Presents a brand-new “smart transmission” for pleasure craft yachts – ZF 400 transmission series

  • Highlights the industry’s first two-speed transmission for outboards; technology is a gamechanger

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida. ZF is showcasing its latest innovations for the pleasure craft market at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). During the show, ZF will showcase for the first time in North America, TotalCommand, an all-new propulsion control platform that includes advanced functionalities to complement ZF’s industry-leading transmission technology. TotalCommand intelligence enables adaptive gear engagement and near-instant clutch responsiveness through optimized proportional control valves. During FLIBS 2021, ZF Marine technologies will be on display in Booth 1078.

TotalCommand also provides telematics data (temperature, pressure, and output speed) via embedded sensors in ZF transmissions so the captain has complete visibility to the health and function of the entire propulsion system. ZF TotalCommand provides both recreational and professional vessels unprecedented control and precision with smooth shifting and seamless transitions between operating modes.

Coupled with ZF’s new Smart Transmission family (ZF 400), TotalCommand delivers a new level of vessel control. “Never before has the vessel control system been more tightly integrated with our latest transmission technology,” explained Keith Stanley, Senior Manager, Pleasure Craft North America and Central America, ZF Group.

“TotalCommand intelligence works in concert with SuperShift 2 and an optimized Proportional Control Valve to deliver fingertip control of the driveline. With infinite control of the output shaft speed, trolling valves are no longer needed for maneuvering in tight quarters.” Not only does the system deliver unmatched vessel control, the new family of control levers is as rugged as they are elegant – suitable for both luxury yachts and commercial vessels. Commissioning and troubleshooting can be performed at the helm through a small, discreet LCD display integrated into the control head. The new compact processors can be installed in a traditional manner or mounted atop the new Smart Transmission family for easy system installation and space savings.

“The new TotalCommand system is an exciting addition to ZF’s marine product portfolio, explained Drew Orvieto, Senior Manager, Commercial Fast Craft and Engineering, for ZF in North America and Central America. “First, the system features brand new control levers that will look equally great at the helm of a Motoryacht or a commercial vessel. In addition, there has been tremendous emphasis placed on reducing complexity and increasing the robustness and redundancy of the system and its components. TotalCommand is really the best of both worlds: aesthetics to match the demanding standards of the world’s most luxurious yachts, combined with the robustness, safety, and redundancy you’d expect in a commercial application. We feel this combination will be very compelling to customers, so we are excited to show them the new system and all it has to offer.”

For manufacturers and designers, ZF has implemented a plug-and-play architecture. With fewer harnesses and the option for a transmission-mounted processor, installation time is reduced considerably. TotalCommand is future-proofed by being Wi-Fi ready – allowing electronic manuals, diagnostic and maintenance data available via smartphone. As it is standard for ZF’s marine technology, the system is rigorously tested to the highest industry standards and developed according to rules of classification societies such as AMSA, Maritime NZ, ABS, DNV, Lloyds, USCG, ABYC and more.

ZF 400 Transmission Family: flexibility for all propulsion configurations

The ZF Marine transmission range for pleasure craft applications includes a wide variety of transmissions for engine outputs of up to 1,500HP for all installation configurations – vertical offset, down-angle, coaxial and vee-drive. With the latest SuperShift 2 technology and an optional proportional control valve, the ZF 400 transmission series is our first “Smart Transmission” family for pleasure craft and yachts of up to 1,000HP. The transmission series features lightweight and robust aluminum alloy casing, case hardened and precisely ground gear teeth for long life and smooth running, output shaft thrust bearing designed to take maximum propeller thrust, as well as the possibility to integrate further smart alert functions for predictive scheduled maintenance.

Industry-first two-speed transmission for outboards

During FLIBS, ZF Marine will present its new two-speed transmission, an industry-first, as part of the new V12 Verado outboard engine developed by Mercury Marine. After four years of partnership and collaboration, the new outboard engine was officially launched on Feb. 11, 2021. Two-speed technology for marine applications is well-known by ZF but had never been applied to outboard applications. This two-speed transmission delivers maximum torque and acceleration in the first gear, and then silently shifts to the second gear for cruising efficiency and thrilling top speed; shifting is almost undetectable.

ZF Marine, a global market leader in the design and development of complete propulsion systems for all ship models

ZF is recognized as an outstanding and reliable partner for both marine propulsion components as well as complete systems for all types of vessels. ZF Marine provides transmissions (reversing, non-reversing and hybrid), propellers, thrusters, steering systems and electronic control systems for a comprehensive range of applications (speedboat, yacht, sail, sportfishing, and related watercraft, among others), with a power range from 10 to 12,000 kilowatts in commercial and fast crafts as well as in pleasure crafts and yachts. ZF Marine is located in Booth 1078, outside of the engine tent at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Oct. 27-31, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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ZF Expands Marine Portfolio to Include ZF 5200 A/V PTI Hybrid Transmission

  • ZF presents its first hybrid-capable down angle transmission with power take-in

  • Powerful and flexible: suitable for many different applications thanks to a wide transmission-ratio range

  • New variants extend the proven ZF 5000 transmission model range

Friedrichshafen. With the ZF 5200 A/V PTI, ZF Marine is expanding its portfolio with something unprecedented: the brand’s first hybrid transmission that can be installed in the ship in both V (V drive) and A (down angle) positions. Thanks to the wide range of transmission ratios and space-saving design, the ZF 5200 A/V PTI is ideally suited for many different types of marine vessels.

ZF Expands Marine Portfolio to Include ZF 5200 A/V PTI Hybrid Transmission

Ship designers currently face a wide array of challenges: In the leisure yacht segment, customers want as much living space as possible, while the boom in logistics and tourism requires ferries to make ever more space available for cargo. In response to more stringent environmental laws shipyards are looking for space-saving drive assemblies that also need to operate with the lowest possible emissions. Nevertheless, they do not want to make sacrifices in terms of performance and reliability. “We are now setting a new benchmark for these applications as well as others,” says Wolfram Frei, Head of Global Sales for the Commercial and Fast Ships product line at ZF, in regard to the ZF 5200 A/V PTI. This addition to ZF’s marine portfolio, in the form of a new variant of the proven ZF 5000 series, is also the Group’s first hybrid transmission that can be installed in the ship in both the V (V drive) and the A (down angle) positions.

High performance with low emissions

In the past, such a configuration has been difficult to bring about due to the packaging challenges of adding the additional input shaft for the PTI. With the ZF 5200 A/V PTI, the Group was able to successfully meet this challenge for the first time. It is thus possible for the additional power take-in to be coupled with an electric motor in both installation variants. At the same time, the marine transmission can transmit primary drive outputs of up to 2,462 kW (3500 HP). In combination with the wide transmission-ratio range (main drive: 2.588 to 4.250; power take-in: 2.5888 to 13.813), it guarantees high-performance operation with reduced emissions and noise for a wide range of ship types. These include leisure boats such as charter yachts and fast ships as well as commercial applications in ferry operations, governmental vessels or patrol boats. ZF has also improved maneuverability and crash-stop behavior with the optionally integrated shaft brake.

A space-saving miracle and modular construction

Another advantage is the transmission’s modular design. ZF relies on the proven individual components of the ZF 5000 series, which simplifies service and maintenance for the hybrid solution. The engineers at ZF were able to further reduce the size of the aluminum housing. The space-saving design gives shipyards a great deal of latitude when drafting plans for new ships: yachts can have additional cabins as well as more spacious decks, while storage space can be more generously allotted on ferries.

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