Friedrichshafen/Hamburg, Germany: ZF is strengthening its position in the global maritime industry with the expansion of its propulsion and control technology portfolio. At SMM 2026, scheduled to take place in Hamburg from September 1–4, the company will showcase its latest maritime solutions under the theme “Together in Every Water.”
The company will present technologies covering a wide range of vessel segments, with a focus on propulsion systems, hybrid driveline solutions, digital services and technologies designed to improve vessel efficiency and availability. ZF will exhibit its maritime portfolio at Hall A3, Booth 219.
The maritime industry is facing growing pressure to improve operational efficiency while meeting increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. Larger vessels, tighter operating schedules and the transition towards hybrid and lower-emission propulsion systems are driving demand for more flexible and integrated drivetrain technologies.
ZF said its approach is focused on providing scalable propulsion solutions that can be adapted to different vessel concepts and propulsion layouts, supported by its global service network.
“Shipping is evolving fast – vessels are becoming larger, more complex and, due to new regulations, increasingly hybridised. Our role is to support customers with scalable propulsion solutions for intelligent system integration across all vessel classes,” said Markus Gross, who will additionally take responsibility for ZF’s Product Line Commercial & Fast Craft from October.
ZF 9200 A/V PTI targets hybrid vessel applications
A key highlight of ZF’s SMM 2026 display is the ZF 9200 A/V PTI, the latest addition to the company’s ZF 9000 transmission series. The transmission is designed to provide shipbuilders with greater flexibility in vessel design, as it can be installed in both V and A, or down-angle, configurations.
The ZF 9200 A/V PTI supports main drive power of up to 3,903 kW, while its integrated power take-in (PTI) system can provide approximately 700 kW for hybrid operation.
The PTI enables electric propulsion assistance during dynamic operating conditions and supports low-noise, locally emission-free operation during activities such as harbour manoeuvring and nighttime operations.
Its modular architecture and wide ratio range are intended to allow the transmission to be configured for different vessel types, electric motor sizes and hybrid propulsion concepts. The main-engine ratio ranges from i=2.300 to i=4.241, while the PTI ratio ranges from i=2.085 to i=16.103.
ZF has also used a lightweight aluminium housing to keep the transmission compact. Full classification approval is intended to simplify its application across different vessel classes. Additional options, including PTO units, an integrated shaft brake and flexible mounting systems, further expand its installation possibilities.
ZF introduces its largest thruster
Alongside the new transmission, ZF is expanding its propulsion portfolio with the ZF AT 110 thruster, described by the company as the largest thruster it has developed so far.
The unit is compatible with engine outputs of up to 2,944 kW and is aimed at higher-power vessel applications, including modern tugboats and demanding offshore and harbour operations.
The ZF AT 110 can deliver a bollard pull of around 100 tonnes, enabling tugboats to handle larger merchant vessels. Its relatively compact installation dimensions are another focus, with centre-to-centre dimensions of approximately 3,700 mm, increasing to 3,825 mm with optional seal monitoring.
According to ZF, the compact design can simplify integration into vessel layouts where installation space is limited, while also giving shipbuilders greater flexibility in hull and machinery arrangements.
The thruster also incorporates a revised lubrication concept. Instead of maintaining a fully oil-filled housing, lubrication is supplied directly to critical components. ZF says this approach reduces the required oil volume, potentially lowering operating costs while maintaining reliable operation.
An optional tilted nozzle can further improve propulsion efficiency and provide additional flexibility when designing vessel hulls.
With the introduction of the ZF 9200 A/V PTI and ZF AT 110, the company is extending its maritime drivetrain offering into higher power classes while addressing the industry’s shift towards hybrid propulsion, larger vessels and more demanding operating conditions.
Source: ZF
