Marine Propulsion Systems
Count on us to deliver efficient and reliable marine propulsion systems tailored to your vessel. Whether you’re upgrading or starting from scratch, we’ll help you move forward with confidence.
Calculation, Design and Supply of the Complete Propulsion System
At Rice Propulsion, we don’t just design and manufacture high-quality propellers; we deliver complete, tailor-made solutions for marine propulsion systems.
Thanks to the combined expertise of our sister companies in the Grupo Emenasa, we can supply all essential components that perfectly complement your ship propeller setup. These include controllable pitch blades, transverse thrusters, shaft lines, and stern tubes manufactured by Baliño, as well as other critical propulsion system elements.
This synergy allows us to design and optimize every component to the highest standards, delivering our clients a reliable, efficient, and fully integrated marine propulsion system.
Partner with us to build a propulsion system that delivers performance, reliability, and seamless integration—contact our team to get started.
Marine Propulsion System Components
Tailored to Your Needs
Shaft lines
We manufacture fully customized shaft lines to ensure perfect alignment and minimize vibrations. From the gearbox to the propeller, we supply all key components for your marine propulsion system—couplings, bearings, stern tubes, brackets, seals, and more—backed by the proven expertise of Baliño, part of Grupo Emenasa.
Stern tube
The stern tube is a steel or bronze component designed to house the bushings that support the shaft and to connect the sealing system. It is manufactured according to the vessel’s specifications and ensures proper alignment and protection of the shaft line. With the support of Baliño, we supply fully integrated stern tubes—complete with all necessary components—ready to be welded or embedded directly into the vessel.
Transverse thruster
In collaboration with our sister company Baliño, we offer transverse or maneuvering thrusters specifically designed to enhance the maneuverability of all types of vessels.
These systems are essential for precise harbor operations, tight-space maneuvers, and dynamic positioning. The thrusters are available in materials like bronze or stainless steel, ensuring exceptional corrosion resistance and durability, even under the most demanding conditions.
We offer hydraulic, electric, or hybrid propulsion configurations, tailored to meet the specific needs of each vessel and client, and fully compatible with any marine propulsion system for seamless integration.
Nozzles
Nozzles enhance propeller efficiency and are ideal for vessels requiring greater thrust at low speeds. Each nozzle is designed to optimize water flow and improve overall performance.
At Rice Propulsion, we offer a range of high-performance nozzles tailored to different vessel types and operating conditions, contributing to a more efficient and reliable propulsion system overall.
Rudders
At Rice Propulsion, we design and supply optimized rudders to enhance the maneuverability, efficiency, and performance of vessels. Using advanced tools such as CFD simulation, we analyze water flow and refine each rudder’s design to minimize resistance and improve ship stability.
Additionally, we offer customized solutions, from conventional rudders to high-performance profiles with special designs or appendages that maximize you marine propulsion system´s efficiency.
Struts
Struts are designed with one or two arms and custom-manufactured in both steel and bronze. We calculate the struts to ensure proper rigidity and seamless integration with the vessel’s structure.
As a key element in the alignment and support of the shaft line, struts play a vital role in the overall performance of the marine propulsion system. At Rice Propulsion, we deliver high-quality, precision-engineered struts tailored to each vessel’s specifications and operating conditions.
Other marine propulsion components:
Bearings
Available in synthetic, bronze, or white metal, our bearings are precisely sized based on shaft loads calculated through detailed alignment analysis. We also provide certified spare parts for any type of system, in compliance with standards from leading classification societies.
As a critical component of any marine propulsion system, our bearings are engineered for durability, precision, and optimal performance under demanding maritime conditions
Couplings
We offer a range of coupling solutions, including keyed/wedged and hydraulic interference systems. Our team can design and supply flange couplings for connection to any type of reduction gearbox, as well as straight shaft-to-shaft couplings with sleeves (e.g., SKF type).
All coupling solutions are engineered to ensure reliable power transmission and long-term performance within a complete marine propulsion system.
Seals
We support our clients in selecting the most suitable seal for each application, whether it involves gland packing solutions, mechanical seals, or “simplex” seals. The stern tube seals supplied by Rice Propulsion provide the safest solution for water and oil tightness in stern tubes for all types of vessels, ensuring optimal performance and reliability within the marine propulsion system.
Need a custom marine propulsion system solution? Let’s talk!
Our team at Rice Propulsion is ready to help you develop a solution tailored to your vessel’s needs. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing system, we’ll work with you to design, engineer, and deliver a reliable and efficient marine propulsion system—built for performance and long-term value.
FAQs
What is a marine propulsion system?
A marine propulsion system is the mechanism used to generate thrust and move a vessel through water. It typically includes a combination of components such as propellers, shafts, bearings, nozzles, couplings, and rudders, and may use various power sources like diesel engines, electric motors, or hybrid systems.
What are the main types of marine propulsion systems?
The most common types include fixed-pitch propeller systems, controllable-pitch propeller systems, waterjets, pod drives, and azimuth thrusters. Each has unique benefits depending on the vessel type, speed requirements, maneuverability needs, and operating conditions.
How do I choose the right ship propulsion system?
The best ship propulsion system depends on factors such as vessel size, weight, operating speed, intended routes, and maneuverability needs. Proper selection also involves engineering calculations, including load analysis and hydrodynamic performance simulations. Contact us for support on which ship propulsion system best suits your vessel and operational requirements.
Can Rice Propulsion provide custom solutions for specific vessel types?
Yes. Every system we design is fully customized to your vessel’s specifications and operating conditions. Whether it’s a commercial ship, tug, or specialized vessel, we tailor the design, materials, and configuration to meet your exact needs
Do you offer support beyond the delivery of marine propulsion components?
Absolutely. We provide full engineering support from the initial design phase to final integration, including alignment calculations, CFD analysis, and component optimization. We also offer lifecycle support and spare parts certified by leading classification societies.
Are your marine propulsion system components certified?
Yes, all critical components we supply are designed and manufactured in compliance with international standards to ensure safety, performance, and durability.
How do I start a project with Rice Propulsion?
Simply get in touch with our team. We’ll review your vessel’s requirements and work with you to define the most efficient and reliable propulsion system solution—custom-designed for your application.