Thruster Solutions
Thruster leakage, oil loss, and seal wear may affect maneuvering reliability and create operational challenges between planned service intervals. Our solution structure is designed to help operators manage leakage levels, support sealing stability, and reduce the risk of unplanned maintenance.
Thruster Technical Insight
Learn more about the solution structure, product selection logic,
and application factors behind our thruster range.
Built Around Thruster Operating Conditions
Thruster systems operate under demanding and variable load conditions that may affect sealing, lubrication, and long-term component performance.
Key operating factors include:
- Frequent start-stop operation
- High load variation during manoeuvring
- Directional changes and vibration
- Seal exposure under changing pressure conditions
- Lubricant stress, temperature variation, and contamination risk
Why it matters:
Over time, these conditions may contribute to oil leakage, seal wear, reduced lubrication stability, and increased uncertainty around thruster reliability.
A Progressive Solution Structure
The TH range is structured from preventive protection to stronger sealing support for thruster systems.
The range is built around four application levels:
TH Guard — preventive protection for stable systems
TH Seal Core — standard support for smaller leakage cases
TH Seal Plus — reinforced support for moderate leakage or demanding conditions
TH Seal Max — maximum support for severe leakage cases
Why it matters:
This structure helps operators identify a relevant starting point based on thruster condition, leakage behaviour, and operating demands.
Product Selection Factors
The right product depends on the actual thruster system and operating situation.
Typical selection factors include:
- Leakage behaviour and development over time
- Thruster oil volume
- Lubricant type currently in use
- Seal condition and wear pattern
- Operating profile, manoeuvring intensity, and load variation
- Service objective before next maintenance window or dry dock
Why it matters:
These factors help determine whether the focus should be preventive protection, standard sealing support, or stronger leakage mitigation for demanding thruster conditions.
Technical Review Before Application
Before application, the thruster system should be reviewed to ensure the correct product selection and quantity.
Typical review points include:
- Thruster oil volume
- Current leakage level
- Lubricant type and viscosity
- Seal condition and service history
- Operating profile and load variation
- Filtration setup and system cleanliness
Why it matters:
A technical review helps reduce application risk and ensures the selected TH product is matched to the actual thruster condition and operating environment.
Thruster chart
The tables below are structured as a progressive thruster solution range — from preventive protection in stable systems to stronger sealing support in more demanding leakage cases. The tables identify the most relevant starting point based on leakage behaviour, thruster condition, and application requirements.
Optional note below table: These ranges are intended as practical guidance only.
Developed for real operating conditions across a wide range of vessel types and sealing systems.
Real-world thruster case examples
The examples below illustrate how system size and leakage level influence product selection and dosage.
Preventive Support - Coastal Cargo Vessel
Vessel type: Coastal cargo vessel
Thruster oil volume: ~800 L
Observed leakage: Within normal operating range
Scenario
The vessel was operating under stable conditions with no significant thruster leakage. However, the crew observed slightly elevated operating temperatures during longer manoeuvring periods and wanted to reduce friction-related wear and support long-term thruster reliability as part of routine maintenance.
Action
Addvation was consulted proactively. Based on thruster system size and operating profile, a preventive approach was recommended.
Recommended starting point: TH Guard
Indicative quantity: ~10 L total
Application
The product was applied during scheduled port stay as part of routine maintenance procedures.
Outcome
The thruster system remained stable, with improved preventive support for friction control, wear reduction, and long-term sealing reliability.
Low-Level Leakage - Offshore Support Vessel
Vessel type: Offshore Support Vessel
Thruster oil volume: ~600 L
Estimated leakage: ~5 L/day
Scenario
During regular manoeuvring operations, the crew observed a consistent low-level oil leakage from the thruster system. The leakage remained manageable but showed signs of gradually increasing over time, raising concern about long-term seal condition and operational reliability.
Action
The operator contacted Addvation to assess the situation. Based on thruster system size and observed leakage behaviour, TH Seal Core was recommended as a starting point.
Recommended starting point: TH Seal Core
Indicative quantity: ~40 L total
Application
The product was applied by the crew during scheduled port stay, following standard application procedures.
Outcome
Leakage was reduced and stabilized, allowing continued operation without further escalation or need for immediate maintenance.
Moderate Leakage - Passenger Ferry
Vessel type: Passenger Ferry
Thruster oil volume: ~1,200 L
Estimated leakage: ~15–20 L/day
Scenario
During offshore operations, the vessel experienced increasing thruster leakage under varying load conditions. Leakage levels fluctuated during manoeuvring and positioning operations, indicating progressing seal wear and increasing operational uncertainty.
Action
The operator contacted Addvation ahead of the vessel's next scheduled port call. Based on thruster system size and leakage behaviour, a reinforced sealing approach was recommended.
Recommended starting point: TH Seal Plus
Indicative quantity: ~70 L total
Application
The product was delivered to the vessel's next port and applied by the crew during port stay, following standard application procedures.
Outcome
Leakage levels were reduced and stabilized across operating conditions, improving thruster reliability and supporting continued operation without immediate maintenance.
High Thruster Leakage - Container Vessel
Vessel type: Container vessel
Thruster oil volume: ~4,500 L
Estimated leakage: ~60–80 L/day
Scenario
During transit and port operations, the vessel experienced a significant increase in thruster leakage, indicating deteriorating seal performance. The leakage level created operational concern due to increased oil consumption and uncertainty around upcoming manoeuvring reliability.
Action
The operator contacted Addvation before the next scheduled port call. Based on thruster system size and leakage severity, a maximum sealing support approach was recommended, with delivery coordinated to the vessel's next port.
Recommended starting point: TH Seal Max
Indicative quantity: ~230 L total
Application
The product was applied by the crew during port stay, following standard application procedures.
Outcome
The leakage issue was brought under control, supporting continued operation and reducing the risk of immediate disruption before planned maintenance.
Need help selecting the right Stern Tube solution?
We will assess your system and recommend the most relevant starting point based on leakage level and operating conditions.
For price requests, please include estimated system oil volume and preferred packaging size where available - Share your system details, current lubricant, leakage behaviour, and operating conditions.