Contact Details

ZF Padova SpA

Via Penghe 48
Caselle di Selvazzano
I-35030 Padova
Italy

Tel: +39 049 8299-311
Fax: +39 049 8299-550

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ZF Marine (Propulsion Packages)

ZF Marine Propulsion Systems

ZF Marine started delivering complete propulsion systems in year 2000 after they had taken the strategic decision to expand their activities in the Commercial Craft market segment. Since then, a whole new range of gearboxes has been created (see “Gears” section) and this is complemented by state of the art controllable pitch propeller designs with individual blade profiles optimized to meet the respective vessel characteristics.

The customer is now offered complete systems comprising gearbox, coupling, shafting & bearings, sterntube, propeller (fixed and controllable pitch), shaft brake and control system, all correctly interfaced and optimised to meet the installation and operating requirements of the respective vessel. This includes, of course, taking into consideration the necessary Classification Society rules, ice classification etc.


The aim is to provide propulsion solutions to satisfy the ship designer, shipbuilder and owner at an acceptable price and delivery. To this end, ZF Marine’s specialised staff work closely with all parties until the best combination of propulsion components has been identified and selected. This involves specialist CPP designers, gear designers and a dedicated project team to put everything together and monitor progress for concept stage to commissioning. If necessary, these specialists can call on the expertise of the parent company’s extensive R & D facility at the headquarters in Friedrichshafen which serves not only ZF’s automotive-related factories but also non-automotive Business Units such as aerospace (helicopter transmissions), rail vehicles and all types of special products.

The centre of competence for ZF Marine’s Commercial Craft segment, and hence the Project Management for propulsion systems, is located at the group’s headquarters, ZF Padova, Italy, however, the large gearbox series (2000 – 16,000 kW) is designed in Friedrichshafen at ZF Marine GmbH. The assembly of gearboxes and propellers is currently in Padova but this will soon be transferred to the new Joint Venture company, ZF Nanjing Marine Propulsion (ZF-NMP) in China.

The benefits of sourcing complete propulsion systems from ZF Marine are clear:

  • Optimised design through careful matching of gearbox and propeller to the hull and engine characteristics. ZF Marine’s design experts work closely with ship designers, shipbuilders and engine manufacturers throught the whole project and are available for analysis of sea-trial results.
  • Standardisation of propulsion system components, easy maintenance and increased reliability. ZF Marine uses their well-proven “KH” type propeller design for all types of vessels, from megayachts to tankers!
  • Simplified installation with no “hidden costs” or unexpected exclusions to the scope of supply.

Following commissioning of the vessel (for which ZF Marine can provide specialised commissioning staff for all components), ZF Marine After-Sales network provides a 24/7 service and there are over 500 Sales and Service offices world wide.

See also ZF Marine products in sections “Gears” and “Propellers” on this web site.

For further details about all ZF Marine products, companies and dealer addresses, please visit our web site at www.ZF-Marine.com