C102632-0 page 1 of 16

26.3.2007

Steerprop
SP20 / W0064-89
Propulsor
Captains Book
Operation Manual
Revision history:

REV.

DATE

MODIFIER

0
A
B
C
D
E
F

26.3.2007 AaNi

DESCRIPTION
Created

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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1.

SYSTEM STARTING ............................................................................................................................ 3

1.1.
PREPARATION ................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.
READY TO OPERATION ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.1.
Auxiliary systems..................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.2.
Control system supply (engine room)...................................................................................... 3
1.2.3.
Local control selection ............................................................................................................ 3
1.3.
CONTROL SYSTEM TEST ................................................................................................................... 4
1.3.1.
Remote controls from Wheelhouse .......................................................................................... 4
1.3.2.
Alarms ..................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.
STARTING ......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.1.
Propulsor motor and drive ...................................................................................................... 4
1.4.2.
Propulsor (wheelhouse) .......................................................................................................... 4

2.

OPERATION .......................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.
BASIC OPERATION PRINCIPLE ........................................................................................................... 5
2.1.1.
Zero position............................................................................................................................ 6
2.1.2.
Ahead....................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.3.
Astern ...................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.4.
Turning on spot ....................................................................................................................... 9
2.1.5.
Side step..................................................................................................................................10
2.1.6.
Braking with two propulsors ..................................................................................................11
2.1.7.
Braking with one propulsor....................................................................................................12
2.2.
SERVICE AND DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTIONS AT ENGINE ROOM DISPLAY SED .......................................13
2.2.1.
Intelligent self diagnostic system (SDS) .................................................................................13

3.

FAILURE SITUATIONS......................................................................................................................14
3.1.
ALARM INDICATIONS ......................................................................................................................14
3.1.1.
Service manual .......................................................................................................................14

4.

EMERGENCY OPERATION..............................................................................................................15
4.1.
LOCAL CONTROL, STEERING (STEERABLE PROPULSORS)................................................................15
4.1.1.
Local control selection ...........................................................................................................15
4.1.2.
Steering...................................................................................................................................15
4.1.3.
Propulsor angle indication.....................................................................................................15
4.1.4.
Remote control selection ........................................................................................................15
4.2.
PROPULSOR MECHANICAL TURNING (STEERABLE PROPULSOR).....................................................15
4.2.1.
Disc brake open......................................................................................................................15
4.2.2.
Turning from motor shaft end.................................................................................................15

5.

PROPULSOR STOPPING ...................................................................................................................16

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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1.

SYSTEM STARTING

1.1.

PREPARATION
Check at least following systems

Main supplies
Auxiliary supplies
Control system supplies
Back-up supplies
Ship automation systems
Cooling systems
Shafting
Propulsor

Are in starting condition

1.2.

READY TO OPERATION
Check at least following systems

Main supplies
Auxiliary supplies
Control system supplies
Back-up supplies
Ship automation systems
Cooling systems
Shafting
Propulsor

Are ready for operation

1.2.1.

AUXILIARY SYSTEMS

1.2.1.1.

STEERING GEAR (PROPULSOR ROOM)

Check that steering gear inverters are ready and have no alarms.

1.2.1.2.

LUBRICATION PUMP (PROPULSOR ROOM)

Check that lubrication pump inverter is running and has no alarms.

1.2.2.

CONTROL SYSTEM SUPPLY (ENGINE ROOM)

Check, that control system supply switch SS01 at SCU/SMU is ON. The indication
lamps SH01 at control stations should lit.

1.2.3.

LOCAL CONTROL SELECTION

Check, that local control selection switch at SCU is Remote (Steerable Propulsors).
Non-Steerable Propulsor is always at remote control.

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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1.3.

CONTROL SYSTEM TEST

1.3.1.

REMOTE CONTROLS FROM WHEELHOUSE

Check the following systems:

1.3.2.

Main control system

Back-up control system
Displays
Alarm system

ALARMS
Check, that there are no active alarms and no other failure indications.
If the lubrication pump is not yet started, there could be Lubrication pressure alarm.

1.4.

STARTING

1.4.1.

PROPULSOR MOTOR AND DRIVE

Check, that system is working and is ready for operation. Check, that there are no
active alarms and no other failure indications.

1.4.2.

STARTING SEQUENCE

1.4.3.

Start Steerprop
Wait 15 s
Start propeller motor drive

PROPULSOR (WHEELHOUSE)
Start both units independent. Then the propulsor lubrication pump will start and control
system will run.
The remote start is through remote control system (not delivered by Steerprop).
Check, that there are no active alarms. If the propulsor give alarm, interrupt the starting
procedure, check the reason for the alarms and fix it before continuing the starting
procedure.

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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2.

OPERATION

2.1.

BASIC OPERATION PRINCIPLE

This chapter gives the basic advice on how to use the Steerprop propulsors to obtain a
specific motion to the vessel. It should be noted that each and every vessel is different
and that depending on vessel size, main dimensions, dimension ratios, hull form,
engine power, propeller size etc. the effect of a specific control movement is different
from vessel to vessel.
Thus the crew need to familiarize themselves with the vessel, before starting real
operations.
Propeller stopped

Low propeller rpm

Medium propeller rpm

Full propeller rpm

Steering angle
Full propeller rpm

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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2.1.1.

ZERO POSITION
BASIC STARTING CONDITION
STOP

The Steerprop propulsors should

always be turned outwards before
stopping and starting, to avoid
propulsive forces at start-up.

POSITION KEEPING

STOP

Both prime movers should run at

equal power, for position keeping. Can
be used at any power.
Turn on the spot possible by
increasing power on one of the
propulsors.
For ahead running turn both control
levers slowly forward - for astern
running turn both control levers slowly
aft.

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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2.1.2.

AHEAD
STRAIGHT AHEAD
From zero position turn the control
levers slowly forward until straight
ahead. Both prime movers should run at
equal power. Can be used at any
power.
Vessels with same-handed propellers
may require a small counter-angle to
run a straight course.

STARBOARD TURN
Use only one propulsor to avoid oversteering. The use of starboard (inner)
propulsor is the most efficient way (port
propulsor also turns the vessel to
starboard).

PORT TURN
Use only one propulsor to avoid oversteering.
The use of port (inner) propulsor is the
most efficient way (starboard propulsor
also turns the vessel to port).

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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2.1.3.

ASTERN
STRAIGHT ASTERN
From zero position, turn the control levers
slowly aft until straight astern. Both prime
movers should run at equal power. Can
be used at any power.
Vessels with same-handed propellers
may require a counter-angle to run a
straight course and may encounter course
instability at high speeds.

STARBOARD TURN ASTERN

Use both propulsors to improve the
steering force. The
starboard thruster should be turned to
avoid the propeller wash to hit the skeg
and cause counter-forces.

PORT TURN ASTERN

Use both propulsors to improve the
steering force. The port thruster should
be turned to avoid the propeller wash to
hit the skeg and cause counter-forces.

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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2.1.4.

TURNING ON SPOT
STARBOARD TURN (CLOCKWISE)
Avoid the use of straight angles on the
propulsors, in order to avoid the wash
from one propulsor to hit the propeller
of the other.
Use propulsor angles as shown in the
figure.

PORT TURN (COUNTERCLOCKWISE)

Avoid the use of straight angles on the
propulsors, in order to avoid the wash
from one propulsor to hit the propeller
of the other.
Use propulsor angles as shown in the
figure.

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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2.1.5.

SIDE STEP
FAST SIDE STEP TO STARBOARD
Depending on hull form and vessel
length, the starboard propulsor should
be set at 40 ...45 astern and the port
propulsor at 20 ...30 ahead. The port
propulsor should be set with slightly
more power.
Fore/aft motion and yaw are controlled
by adjusting the power and turning
angle respectively - on the port
propulsor only!

SLOW SIDE STEP TO STARBOARD

Not as useful as fast side step. Engine
power should be almost equal, with
only slightly more on the starboard
propulsor (to avoid forward motion)

FAST SIDE STEP TO PORT

Depending on hull form and vessel
length, the port propulsor should be
set at 40 ...45 astern and the
starboard propulsor at 20 ...30
ahead. The starboard propulsor
should be set with slightly more
power.
Fore / aft motion and yaw are
controlled by adjusting the power and
turning angle respectively - on the
starboard propulsor only!

SLOW SIDE STEP TO PORT

Not as useful as fast side step. Engine
power should be almost equal, with
only slightly more on the port
propulsor (to avoid forward motion)

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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2.1.6.

BRAKING WITH TWO PROPULSORS

CRASH STOP / BRAKING
Turn the propulsors through 180; the
starboard propulsor counter-clockwise
and the port propulsor clockwise, i.e.
turn the control levers from ahead to
astern, via zero position.
Note: The braking starts already at
small turning angles and is very
efficient also at 90; thus the stopping
is very efficient and fast - typically
within one ships length!
Note: During crash stop, the turning
speed of one of the propulsors may be
slower than the other due to
differences in torque. In such a case
the lever turning speed on the other
unit needs to be slowed down to find
identical turning angles / speeds.
Recommendation: During the turning
of the propulsors it is recommended
that the power of prime mover is
reduced to approximately 25 % to
minimize cavitation and vibration.

WARNING: THE BRAKING METHOD

SHOULD BE SELECTED ACCORDING
TO PRIME MOVER OR POWER
STATION TORQUE CAPACITY.
WARNING: THE PRIME MOVER OR
POWER STATION MAY STOP DURING
THIS OPERATION.
WARNING: If the propulsors are under
an external control system eg.
autopilot, the Steerprop control levers
have first to be selected active before
starting the braking / crash stop.

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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2.1.7.

BRAKING WITH ONE PROPULSOR

Turn the starboard or port propulsor
through 180; the starboard propulsor
counter-clockwise or the port
propulsor clockwise, i.e. turn the
control levers from ahead to astern,
via zero position.
Recommendation: During the turning
of the propulsors it is recommended
that the power of prime mover is
reduced to approximately 25 % to
minimize cavitation and vibration. The
braking method with two propulsors
should always be primarily
considered.

WARNING:
BRAKING
METHOD
SHOULD BE SELECTED ACCORDING
TO PRIME MOVER OR POWER
STATION TORQUE CAPACITY.
WARNING: The prime mover or power
station may stop during this operation.

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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2.2.

SERVICE AND DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTIONS AT ENGINE ROOM

DISPLAY SED

2.2.1.

INTELLIGENT SELF DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (SDS)

The control system has as inbuilt an intelligent self diagnostic system which is
monitoring the operation condition of the control system, setting and feed-back
transmitters, and azimuth control speed.
The instructions are at service manual.

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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3.

FAILURE SITUATIONS

3.1.

ALARM INDICATIONS

3.1.1.

SERVICE MANUAL
The individual system and component failure reasons and corrective actions are
described in the separate Steerprop Service Manual

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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4.

EMERGENCY OPERATION

4.1.

LOCAL CONTROL, STEERING (STEERABLE PROPULSORS)

The control system is equipped with local steering device, which is locating at
propulsor. The control is time-dependent.

4.1.1.

LOCAL CONTROL SELECTION

Local control selection switch SC01 is at the door of Steerprop Control Unit SCU. The
local control is selected, when the switch SC01 is at position Local

4.1.1.1.

LUBRICATION PUMP STARTING

When you use local control at starting situation, you should manually start the
lubrication pump at local push buttons.

4.1.2.

STEERING
The steering control is time dependent with separate push buttons locating at SCU.

4.1.3.

PROPULSOR ANGLE INDICATION

The propulsor is equipped with independent steering angle indication. The indication
system has a local mechanical indication and indication at SED.
Additional indications are through remote control system (not delivered by Steerprop)

4.1.4.

REMOTE CONTROL SELECTION

Local / Remote control selection switch SC01 is at the door of Steerprop Control Unit
SCU. The remote control is selected, when the switch SC01 is at position Remote

4.2. PROPULSOR MECHANICAL TURNING (STEERABLE PROPULSOR)

The steering motor equipped with brake has also means to turn the propulsor with
hand tool.
Using this possibility you should first disconnect motor fan and feedback transmitter.
When you install those back, you should carefully direct the transmitter according
service instructions and lock it with such kind of adhesive, which is possible to open at
maintenance.

4.2.1. DISC BRAKE OPEN

You can open the mechanical brake with a separate lever built on the brake.

4.2.2. TURNING FROM MOTOR SHAFT END

You can turn the motor with wrench. Be careful, that you dont damage the motor or its
auxiliaries.

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

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5.

PROPULSOR STOPPING
The system remote start/stop is through remote control system (not delivered by
Steerprop).

The lubrication pump stops

Control system transfer to stop status

Check before stopping, that ship and propulsion systems are allowed to stop.

The information contained in this document is the sole property of Steerprop Ltd. any reproduction or disclosure in part or whole without written permission is prohibited.

DOC-1017-1