This is an independent system operating by means of two hydraulic pumps (each one fitted on a gear box), which suck oil from a suitable tank and convey it to a control valve.
From the control valve depart two lines: one supplies the stabilizing fins group, the other the bow thruster. In the stabilizing fins assembly, the oil flows out of the control valve and reaches two separated blocks of solenoid valves, each of which drives the hydraulic cylinders of each fins. In the other line of the bow thruster, oil supplies a further block of solenoid valves, that activates the hydraulic motor on which the bow thruster is fastened.
A heat exchanger is connected to the hydraulic tank, which uses sea water to cool down the oil, in order to keep oil temperature constant, a pressure gauge, to keep the oil pressure under control, and a visual gauge to monitor the level.
For further information on use and maintenance, please refer to the manufacturer’s manual.
Stabilizing fins system layout
