The Tees Gill Thruster is a propulsion unit, fitted to the bow or stern of a vessel, which can move the vessel in any desired direction independent of ship speed.  It is used in vessels which need to manoeuvre to a precise point or direction, and is compatible with the latest DP (Dynamic Positioning) systems.  It is typically installed in specialised oceanographic research vessels, ferries, diving support vessels, cable laying ships, and vessels used by the military.  Its strengths lie in its simple, rugged construction which is proven for a long, low-maintenance life, its quiet running, its thrust performance, and the fact that it is mounted flush to the underside of the vessel, giving freedom from underwater hazards and grounding.  The unit and its accompanying control system are custom-designed according to the vessel requirements.

 The design, manufacture, assembly and testing is carried out on site in the North East.  This involves mechanical and electrical design engineering, fabrication, machining of components, and assembly processes.  The largest recently built is the 70T3 model, which has a rotor some 1.7m diameter and weighs 23 tonnes.  New thrusters are currently being supplied for the Alaska Region Research Vessel (ARRV) and for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  We are also working on a new thruster for the replacement vessel RRS Discovery, a multirole oceanographic vessel for the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). 

 Tees Components is a family business, established 1963, with 60 employees.  The employees always include apprentices (presently four), who join from local schools to undertake traditional four-year apprenticeships.  During this time they gain hands-on technical skills in the machine shop, and also attend college to progress with formal qualifications as far as they are able, and Tees Components is always very proud of their achievements.  Employees are all from the local area and many have been with the company since they started as apprentices.  

For more information about this product and company, please visit www.teescomponents.co.uk/tees-white-gill-thrusters-p-23.html.