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Becker Nozzle
The Becker Nozzle is a further development of the classic Kort nozzle and includes both fixed and steerable propeller nozzles. By enclosing the propeller, the nozzle increases thrust, improves maneuverability, and optimizes propeller efficiency, particularly at low speeds and under demanding operating conditions. Becker offers two main designs— the Becker Fixed Nozzle and the Becker Steerable Nozzle —both of which are sized and optimized for the specific vessel’s propulsion system.
The Becker Nozzle also provides greater freedom in the design of the stern. The propeller can be positioned in a more favorable location, which can improve cargo capacity, maneuverability, and the overall ship design. For smaller vessels, the nozzle can also be equipped with a stabilizer for increased stability and improved bearing load capacity.
Fixed or steerable propeller nozzle?
| Design | Function | Typical combination |
|---|---|---|
| Becker Fixed Nozzle | Increases bollard pull for heavily loaded propellers. | Often combined with the Becker Flaproder. |
| Becker Steerable Nozzle | Generates lateral thrust and can replace a separate rudder. | Controlled by a conventional steering gear and can operate at rudder angles of up to ±35°. |
The fixed propeller nozzle is primarily used on AHTS vessels, tugboats, and fishing vessels where high bollard pull is a critical performance factor. The nozzle profile is optimized to provide maximum thrust at high propeller loads and is often used in conjunction with a Becker Flaproder to combine high thrust with excellent maneuverability.
The steerable propeller nozzle is designed to maintain high efficiency even when the nozzle is rotated. Since it generates lateral thrust on its own, it can replace a separate rudder, which simplifies the stern arrangement and provides greater freedom in ship design. This solution is particularly well-suited for ships with dynamic positioning (DP), where it can also reduce the power requirements for stern thrusters during position-holding.
When is the Becker Nozzle appropriate?
The Becker Nozzle is designed for vessels that place high demands on propulsion, lateral thrust, and maneuverability at low speeds. Typical applications include AHTS vessels, tugs, fishing vessels, offshore vessels, workboats, research vessels, and other specialized vessels with heavily loaded propellers.
A Becker Fixed Nozzle combined with a Becker Flap Rudder is a proven solution for combining high bollard pull with excellent maneuverability during towing, port maneuvers, and other operations where high thrust is required. The Becker Steerable Nozzle is an excellent alternative when propulsion and steering need to be integrated into a single unit, eliminating the need for a separate rudder.
Advantages of the Becker Nozzle
- Increases bollard pull with the Becker Fixed Nozzle.
- Provides high lateral thrust and improved maneuverability with the Becker Steerable Nozzle.
- The steerable propeller nozzle can replace a separate rudder.
- Provides greater freedom in the design of the stern.
- Can reduce the power requirements for stern thrusters during DP operations.
- A heave compensator is available as an option for smaller vessels.
- Each nozzle is individually sized and optimized for the specific vessel.
- Suitable for both new construction and retrofit projects.
