Electric Subsea Thrusters
Engineered for performance, tested for durability, and designed for seamless integration across subsea vehicles.
4,000 hours
without breakdown
Exceptional high
thrust force
Minimal disturbance of
surrounding marine life
No compromises, just performance
Electric thrusters designed for
demanding subsea environments
Reliable
Running at maximum power for 4,000 hours with no breakdowns. Performance and durability of our thrusters certified through in-water testing at the facilities of Kapacitet A/S.
The tests showed no degradation and no decrease of performance.
Powerful
Due to our unique design, the surrounding seawater cools the thruster and enables operation at maximum power for extended periods of time.
The result is exceptional high thrust force compared to conventional thrusters.
Silent
Our innovative electrical design has no gears, only one moving part, and bearings that make use of the surrounding seawater for lubrication.
These unique features lead to significantly reduced sound levels and minimal disturbance of surrounding marine life.
HOW IT WORKS
Built to Perform,
Built to Last
Our electric thrusters use sensorless control and rim-driven cooling to reduce potential points of failure.
With a robust, high-torque stator, they deliver consistent performance and minimize risk in challenging underwater environments.
Configuration overview
Asymmetric vs Symmetric
We offer a combination of different propellers as well as inlet and outlet rings that may be configured in two different setups:
Asymmetric configuration
The Symmetric setup is optimized to deliver the same amount of thrust in both directions. This setup is often used in station keeping ROV's where it is important to position the ROV precisely despite of strong currents.
Symmetric configuration
The Symmetric setup is optimized to deliver the same amount of thrust in both directions. This setup is often used in station keeping ROV's where it is important to position the ROV precisely despite of strong currents.
CORE FEATURES
Unique Product Features
-
Fast response time - high maneuverability Our thrusters deliver immediate thrust with minimal latency, ensuring precise and rapid maneuvering in dynamic subsea environments
-
Only one moving part - low acoustic sound signature A single rotating part minimizes noise, ideal for stealth and marine life safety
-
No oil inside and no air inside Only solid molded parts - no sealing needed, no oil or air inside
-
Hubless propeller - low risk of entanglement The open design prevents ropes, seaweed, and debris from getting caught, ensuring continuous, uninterrupted operation in cluttered underwater environments
-
Ultra high reliability Engineered for durability and longevity, minimizing failure points for maximum operational uptime
-
Low friction Seawater lubricated bearings provide high efficiency
performance data
Thruster Specs
Thruster size comparison
Explore all four standard thruster versions and dimensions by clicking the tabs.
(Click on image to enlarge)
Performance data for VS
The figure below shows the performance of the thruster. The graphs are based on measured data. These measurements are preliminary and may be changed as more accurate measurement methods are developed.
(Click on graph to enlarge)
Asymmetric Thruster Configuration
The asymmetric configuration is a highly efficient propulsion solution for applications in which the thruster is used in one primary direction. It is typically used as the main propulsion for battery driven vehicles, where efficient propulsion has a positive effect on the duration of the mission.
The consequence of optimized efficiency in the forward direction is reduced efficiency in the reverse. However, the thruster will still provide enough thrust to move even large vehicles in the reverse direction.
- Thrust Force
- Supply Voltage
- Propeller Diameter
- Up to 200 Newton
- 24-800 VDC.
- 82.5 mm
- Weight in Air
- Weight in Water
- Depth Rating
- 5.3 kg
- 3.5 kg
- 3000
Symmetric Thruster Configuration
The symmetric configuration is superior in subsea operations which require the thruster to be equally efficient in both directions. In the symmetric configuration, the thruster is optimized to deliver the same amount of thrust in both directions. This setup is often used in station keeping ROV’s where it is important to position the ROV precisely even in strong currents.
The symmetric configuration is also optimal as tunnel thrusters built into the hull of a subsea vehicle used for station keeping and positioning of the vehicle in the water.
- Thrust Force
- Supply Voltage
- Propeller Diameter
- Up to 200 Newton
- 24-800 VDC.
- 82.5 mm
- Weight in Air
- Weight in Water
- Depth Rating
- 5.3 kg
- 3.5 kg
- 3000
Compact Thruster Configuration
This thruster is ideal for compact vessel integration. By using a symmetric propeller, the thruster functions optimally as a tunnel thruster built into the hull of a subsea vehicle. Often used for vehicles that perform station keeping and depend upon exact positioning in the water.
- Thrust Force
- Supply Voltage
- Propeller Diameter
- Up to 200 Newton
- 24-800 VDC.
- 82.5 mm
- Weight in Air
- Weight in Water
- Depth Rating
- 4.5 kg
- 3.5 kg
- 3000
Thruster Simulation
We diligently use CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to analyze and optimize our thrusters so we can offer our customers the best solutions. We use CFD to simulate the flow through the thruster in order to optimize the shroud at the trailing edge, the surface, and the propeller profile.
For further information please download our simulation document.
Performance data for VM
The figure below shows the performance of the thruster. The graphs are based on measured data. These measurements are preliminary and may be changed as more accurate measurement methods are developed.
(Click on graph to enlarge)
Asymmetric Thruster Configuration
The asymmetric configuration is a highly efficient propulsion solution for applications in which the thruster is used in one primary direction. It is typically used as the main propulsion for battery driven vehicles, where efficient propulsion has a positive effect on the duration of the mission.
The consequence of optimized efficiency in the forward direction is reduced efficiency in the reverse. However, the thruster will still provide enough thrust to move even large vehicles in the reverse direction.
- Thrust Force
- Supply Voltage
- Propeller Diameter
- Up to 480 Newton
- 24-800 VDC.
- 131 mm
- Weight in Air
- Weight in Water
- Depth Rating
- 7.1 kg
- 4.7 kg
- 3000
Symmetric Thruster Configuration
The symmetric configuration is superior in subsea operations which require the thruster to be equally efficient in both directions. In the symmetric configuration, the thruster is optimized to deliver the same amount of thrust in both directions. This setup is often used in station keeping ROV’s where it is important to position the ROV precisely even in strong currents.
The symmetric configuration is also optimal as tunnel thrusters built into the hull of a subsea vehicle used for station keeping and positioning of the vehicle in the water.
- Thrust Force
- Supply Voltage
- Propeller Diameter
- Up to 480 Newton
- 24-800 VDC.
- 131 mm
- Weight in Air
- Weight in Water
- Depth Rating
- 7.2 kg
- 4.7 kg
- 3000
Compact Thruster Configuration
This thruster is ideal for compact vessel integration. By using a symmetric propeller, the thruster functions optimally as a tunnel thruster built into the hull of a subsea vehicle. Often used for vehicles that perform station keeping and depend upon exact positioning in the water.
- Thrust Force
- Supply Voltage
- Propeller Diameter
- Up to 480 Newton
- 24-800 VDC.
- 131 mm
- Weight in Air
- Weight in Water
- Depth Rating
- 5.7 kg
- 4.7 kg
- 3000
Seawater Temp. vs. Max Power
The internal motor temperature must never exceed 70 degrees Celsius. Thruster power is thus dependent on the temperature of the surrounding seawater. The nominal power of the thruster is available at 3 degrees Celsius.
The influence of seawater temperature is shown in the table below.
- Seawater Temp. (°C)
- 3
- 5
- 10
- 15
- 20
- 25
- 30
- 35
- Max Power (kW)
- 5
- 4.9
- 4.5
- 4.1
- 3.8
- 3.4
- 3
- 2.7
- Seawater Temp. (°C)
- Max Power (kW)
- 3
- 5
- 5
- 4.9
- 10
- 4.5
- 15
- 4.1
- 20
- 3.8
- 25
- 3.4
- 30
- 3
- 35
- 2.7
Thruster Simulation
We diligently use CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to analyze and optimize our thrusters so we can offer our customers the best solutions. We use CFD to simulate the flow through the thruster in order to optimize the shroud at the trailing edge, the surface, and the propeller profile.
For further information please download our simulation document.
Performance data for VL
The figure below shows the performance of the thruster. The graphs are based on measured data. These measurements are preliminary and may be changed as more accurate measurement methods are developed.
(Click on graph to enlarge)
Asymmetric Thruster Configuration
The asymmetric configuration is a highly efficient propulsion solution for applications in which the thruster is used in one primary direction. It is typically used as the main propulsion for battery driven vehicles, where efficient propulsion has a positive effect on the duration of the mission.
The consequence of optimized efficiency in the forward direction is reduced efficiency in the reverse. However, the thruster will still provide enough thrust to move even large vehicles in the reverse direction.
- Thrust Force
- Supply Voltage
- Propeller Diameter
- Up to 1000 Newton
- 24-800 VDC.
- 168 mm
- Weight in Air
- Weight in Water
- Depth Rating
- 11.5 kg
- 5.9 kg
- 3000
Symmetric Thruster Configuration
The symmetric configuration is superior in subsea operations which require the thruster to be equally efficient in both directions. In the symmetric configuration, the thruster is optimized to deliver the same amount of thrust in both directions. This setup is often used in station keeping ROV’s where it is important to position the ROV precisely even in strong currents.
The symmetric configuration is also optimal as tunnel thrusters built into the hull of a subsea vehicle used for station keeping and positioning of the vehicle in the water.
- Thrust Force
- Supply Voltage
- Propeller Diameter
- Up to 1000 Newton
- 24-800 VDC.
- 168 mm
- Weight in Air
- Weight in Water
- Depth Rating
- 11.6 kg
- 5.9 kg
- 3000
Compact Thruster Configuration
This thruster is ideal for compact vessel integration. By using a symmetric propeller, the thruster functions optimally as a tunnel thruster built into the hull of a subsea vehicle. Often used for vehicles that perform station keeping and depend upon exact positioning in the water.
- Thrust Force
- Supply Voltage
- Propeller Diameter
- Up to 1000 Newton
- 24-800 VDC.
- 168 mm
- Weight in Air
- Weight in Water
- Depth Rating
- 9.1 kg
- 5.9 kg
- 3000
Seawater Temp. vs. Max Power
The internal motor temperature must never exceed 70 degrees Celsius. Thruster power is thus dependent on the temperature of the surrounding seawater. The nominal power of the thruster is available at 3 degrees Celsius.
The influence of seawater temperature is shown in the table below.
- Seawater Temp. (°C)
- 3
- 5
- 10
- 15
- 20
- 25
- 30
- 35
- Max Power (kW)
- 10
- 9.75
- 9
- 8.25
- 7.5
- 6.75
- 6
- 5.25
- Seawater Temp. (°C)
- Max Power (kW)
- 3
- 10
- 5
- 9.75
- 10
- 9
- 15
- 8.25
- 20
- 7.5
- 25
- 6.75
- 30
- 6
- 35
- 5.25
Thruster Simulation
We diligently use CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to analyze and optimize our thrusters so we can offer our customers the best solutions. We use CFD to simulate the flow through the thruster in order to optimize the shroud at the trailing edge, the surface, and the propeller profile.
For further information please download our simulation document.
Performance data for VXL
The figure below shows the performance of the thruster. The graphs are based on measured data. These measurements are preliminary and may be changed as more accurate measurement methods are developed.
(Click on graph to enlarge)
Asymmetric Thruster Configuration
The asymmetric configuration is a highly efficient propulsion solution for applications in which the thruster is used in one primary direction. It is typically used as the main propulsion for battery driven vehicles, where efficient propulsion has a positive effect on the duration of the mission.
The consequence of optimized efficiency in the forward direction is reduced efficiency in the reverse. However, the thruster will still provide enough thrust to move even large vehicles in the reverse direction.
- Thrust Force
- Supply Voltage
- Propeller Diameter
- Up to 1900 Newton
- 24-800 VDC.
- 236 mm
- Weight in Air
- Weight in Water
- Depth Rating
- 21.9 kg
- 12 kg
- 3000
Symmetric Thruster Configuration
The symmetric configuration is superior in subsea operations which require that the thruster be equally efficient in both directions. In the symmetric configuration, the thruster is optimized to deliver the same amount of thrust in both directions. This setup is often used in station keeping ROVs where it is important to position the ROV even in strong currents.
- Thrust Force
- Supply Voltage
- Propeller Diameter
- Up to 1900 Newton
- 24-800 VDC.
- 236 mm
- Weight in Air
- Weight in Water
- Depth Rating
- 23 kg
- 12 kg
- 3000
Compact Thruster Configuration
This thruster is ideal for compact vessel integration. By using a symmetric propeller, the thruster functions optimally as a tunnel thruster built into the hull of a subsea vehicle. Often used for vehicles that perform station keeping and depend upon exact positioning in the water.
- Thrust Force
- Supply Voltage
- Propeller Diameter
- Up to 1900 Newton
- 24-800 VDC.
- 236 mm
- Weight in Air
- Weight in Water
- Depth Rating
- 17.8 kg
- 12 kg
- 3000
Seawater Temp. vs. Max Power
The internal motor temperature must never exceed 70 degrees Celsius. Thruster power is thus dependent on the temperature of the surrounding seawater.
The influence of seawater temperature is shown in the table below.
- Seawater Temp. (°C)
- 0
- 10
- 20
- 30
- 32
- 35
- Max Power (kW)
- 13.6
- 12.1
- 10.7
- 9.5
- 9.2
- 8.6
- Seawater Temp. (°C)
- Max Power (kW)
- 0
- 13.6
- 10
- 12.1
- 20
- 10.7
- 30
- 9.5
- 32
- 9.2
- 35
- 8.6
Thruster Simulation
We diligently use CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to analyze and optimize our thrusters so we can offer our customers the best solutions. We use CFD to simulate the flow through the thruster in order to optimize the shroud at the trailing edge, the surface, and the propeller profile.
For further information please download our simulation document.
TESTED & TRUSTED
Tested and Proven in Harsh Marine Conditions
Copenhagen Subsea’s thrusters are extensively tested to withstand extreme marine environments, ensuring operational integrity and reliability where it matters most
We guide you to the right thrusters
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We guide you to the right thrusters
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Pisces VI Submarine
Silent Propulsion for Marine Protected Areas
Operating in marine protected areas demands performance with minimal environmental impact. For Pisces VI Submarine, silence was essential to explore fragile ecosystems. Traditional thrusters caused disruptive noise, limiting operations. By upgrading to Copenhagen Subsea’s rim-driven electric thrusters, Pisces VI achieved powerful, precise, and virtually silent propulsion, protecting marine life.
The Pisces VI Submarine needed a propulsion system capable of operating in marine protected areas without disturbing delicate ecosystems. Traditional thrusters created noise through cavitation, making it difficult to explore these sensitive environments responsibly.
Pisces VI upgraded to Copenhagen Subsea’s rim-driven electric thrusters, which eliminate cavitation and operate virtually silently. This advanced technology provided the powerful performance and precise maneuverability the submarine required, all while ensuring noise-free operation.
With Copenhagen Subsea’s thrusters, Pisces VI achieved:
- Virtually silent propulsion to protect marine life
- Access to sensitive ecosystems previously off-limits
- Powerful and reliable performance for deep-sea exploration
“Our Copenhagen Subsea thrusters have been upgraded, and we can’t be happier with them! They have proven to be very powerful, maneuverable, and extremely silent.“
Sonia Pérez, Business Development Manager
Thruster components
Premium thruster parts
Propeller
We offer two types of propeller: symmetric and asymmetric.
The propeller is manufactured in a unique combination of two printing materials which provides both strength and durability. The use of 3D printing allows us to continuously update the hydrodynamic propeller profile and offer improved versions of the propeller to our customers.
Cable & Connector
Because our thruster must be able to manage a wide span of supply voltages, it also requires high-quality cables and connectors. We use industry standard SubConn Connectors which are delivered with the thruster by default.
Inlet & Outlet Rings
The inlet and outlet rings are made in a special neutral buoyant polymer which has the unique characteristics to fulfill the requirements for subsea operations.
The inlet and outlet rings may be added to improve the hydrodynamic performance of the thruster.
Moreover, the rings are part of the optimization for asymmetric operation during which the thruster becomes extra efficient in one direction.
PROPELLER TYPES
Strength and durability
The propeller is made in a unique combination of two printing materials which provide both strength and durability. The use of 3D printing allows us to continuously update the hydrodynamic profile and offer improved versions of the propeller to our customers. Optimization of the hydrodynamic propeller profile is extremely important, and even the smallest changes affect efficiency.
Hours have been spent on improving fine details. For example, the trailing edge transition point - the point where the asymmetrical blades connect to the rim - has been optimized to provide high efficiency at low rpm, but also to enable high thrust at full rpm without cavitation.
We offer two standard types of propeller depending on the requirements of your subsea operation. The series of propeller consists of an asymmetric propeller and a symmetric propeller.
The two types of propellers are available for both VM and VL. Independent of thruster size, we are able to configure the propeller to best serve your specific operation requirements.
The symmetric propeller is superior in subsea operations which require that the thruster is equally efficient in both directions.
In order to possess this functionality, the symmetric propeller is provided with a symmetric blade profile.
The symmetric propeller achieves full thrust potential paired with a symmetric configuration of inlet and outlet rings.
Find the Perfect Thruster
for Your Needs
Choosing the right thruster may seem complex, but we’ve simplified the process into three easy steps. Watch our short explainer video to get an overview, or scroll down for a step-by-step guide.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Select the Right Thruster Size
Size matters when it comes to thrusters. A larger thruster provides more thrust for the same power input, making it more efficient. At Copenhagen Subsea, we offer four sizes to match your needs:
VS Thruster (Small)
Ideal for light propulsion needs
VM Thruster (Medium)
A balance between power and efficiency
VL Thruster (Large)
Best for heavy-duty applications
VXL Thruster (Extra-Large)
Maximum thrust for demanding environments
Not sure what size you need?
Use our lookup table to compare thrust vs. power input and find your best match.
Step 2: Choose the Right Thruster Configuration
Thrusters are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on how you’ll use your thruster, you’ll need one of these configurations:
Symmetrical Configuration
Balanced forward & backward thrust
- Best for dynamic movement in multiple directions
- Ideal for maneuverability in challenging environments
Asymmetrical Configuration
Optimized for forward propulsion
- Best for applications that mainly move in one direction
- Delivers maximum efficiency for steady propulsion
Choose the setup that fits your needs to ensure optimal performance.
Thruster Configurator
Now that you understand how to choose the right thruster, let’s configure your perfect match. Click below to start the Thruster Configurator and get your quote.
