A bow thruster is a transversal propulsion device installed in the forward (bow) section of a ship, allowing it to move laterally (sideways) without forward motion. It is especially valuable for low-speed manoeuvres such as berthing, unberthing, or holding position in dynamic positioning (DP) systems. While it greatly aids ship handling, it comes with several limitations.The bow thruster was first developed in the mid-20th century to improve low-speed manoeuvrability in increasingly larger ships. Early versions appeared in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly on Scandinavian ferries, using simple mechanically driven side propellers. By the 1970s, tunnel-type bow thrusters became standard on tankers, ferries, and cruise ships, often powered by diesel or electric motors. Barry discusses the humble bow thruster - how it is measured, some of the limitations and gives real world accounts of when the thruster may let you down.Come and Visit our Website https://www.captainbarrysadler.com/At Captain Barry Sadler Maritime Training & Consultancy we deliver industry-leading online courses, oral exam preparation, and professional resources for deck officers, cadets, and maritime professionals. Fully aligned with UK MCA standards, our training helps you build knowledge, confidence, and a successful career at sea. Follow us Linkedin Instagram X Facebook

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