Wärtsilä Jets

Waterjets are the most successful and efficient method of propulsion for high-speed applications. The advantages are not only higher efficiency, but also lower vessel resistance due to the absence of underwater appendages like shafts, rudders and shaft struts. The absence of any parts below the waterline also makes waterjets an ideal solution for shallow water operation.

Waterjets are most commonly used for design speeds between 30 and 50 knots. Other applications are extreme speeds of 70+ knots and speeds below 30 knots. For lower speed applications, hybrid systems - the use of two fixed or controllable pitch propellers in combination with a centre waterjet – have proven to be very efficient and flexible propulsion systems combining the best of both worlds. Maximizing the benefits for each operation area, Wärtsilä is leading the market by offering two designs for the largest and most demanding applications.

The E-series design is the classic jet design serving those vessels requiring extreme high-power densities and speeds. The LJX-design is optimized for greater performance in the more common speed range up to 40 – 50 knots, for use in hybrid systems and for use with not only high speed engines, but also for medium and low speed diesel engines. That gives the LJX-series unparalleled performance advantages translated in an average of 25% reduced transom mounting flange diameter, an average of 10% weight advantage and an almost unrestricted flexibility in operating margins.