Auxiliary drives for safe and efficient ship operation

Our versatile auxiliary drives support and complement the main drive

In addition to the main drive, auxiliary drives play a crucial role in maritime operations. They ensure the smooth execution of daily operations and safety in emergencies. Our Cat GenSets, at the core of our auxiliary drive solutions, support maneuverability, power all onboard systems, and serve as reliable emergency drives.

Our tailored auxiliary drive solutions are designed to enhance the efficiency of your ship operations and conserve resources. With our extensive expertise, we are happy to assist and advise you from the planning stage to the maintenance of your drives.

Available for you 24/7

Germany

0800 58 92 787

International

+49 40 853 151 222

Key benefits for your organization

Optimization of resource utilization

By using auxiliary drives, ships can ease the load on their main drives, particularly during slower maneuvers or docking in ports. This reduces fuel consumption and contributes to cost savings.

Emergency operation

Auxiliary drives act as backup propulsion in the event of a main drive system failure, ensuring safety and operational continuity.

Enhancing ship safety

Improved maneuverability and the availability of an emergency drive contribute to enhancing the safety of the crew, passengers, and the vessel itself.

Adaptable to various ship types

Our auxiliary drives are available in various sizes and configurations to meet the specific requirements of different ship types.

Zeppelin Power Systems Solutions for Marine

Customized auxiliary drive systems for diverse energy needs and technical requirements

Our comprehensive auxiliary drive solutions provide complete energy supply, supporting all electrical and mechanical systems on board. The right auxiliary drive system plays a key role in enhancing a ship's efficiency, safety, and overall performance.

Our Cat auxiliary drives are customized systems specifically designed to meet the unique requirements and operating conditions of various ship types. They are configured to optimally address the specific energy demands, maneuvering requirements, and operational profiles of each vessel. This tailored design maximizes performance and efficiency.

Regular maintenance for reliable and long-lasting operation

Our services include regular inspections, replacement of wear parts, checking and cleaning of fuel and air filtration systems, as well as inspection of electrical and electronic components. These measures are essential for ensuring the reliability and longevity of the drive system.

Do you have questions about our auxiliary drive solutions? We’re happy to assist you.

Zeppelin Power Systems Products for Marine

Cat auxiliary drives for every ship

Performance-oriented and emissions-optimized

We offer a wide range of diesel-powered Cat auxiliary engines and generator sets that ensure a consistent power supply for all essential onboard functions. They meet marine emissions regulations while guaranteeing maximum performance. Our auxiliary drives are fuel-optimized and equipped with an SCR exhaust aftertreatment system. This not only reduces NOx emissions but also lowers maintenance and operating costs.

Modern technology for greater efficiency

Our Cat auxiliary drives combine proven design and manufacturing methods with cutting-edge technology. They feature advanced controls for enhanced performance and efficiency, as well as improved monitoring systems that keep you informed of any issues that could affect your uptime.

Do you have questions? We’re happy to assist you in selecting an auxiliary drive system.

The auxiliary drive performs a variety of tasks

Auxiliary drives are additional propulsion systems on ships that complement the main drive and perform various functions to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vessel

Power supply

A primary purpose of auxiliary drives is to supply electrical power to onboard networks. This includes powering lighting systems, navigation devices, communication equipment, and other electrical consumers on the vessel. Auxiliary drives function as generators to produce electrical energy for the ship, which is especially crucial for large vessels operating extensive electrical systems.

Support for the main drive

Auxiliary drives can complement the main drive by providing additional power to support the main engine under specific operating conditions. On some modern cargo ships and yachts, auxiliary drives are used to save fuel and increase efficiency.

Safe continued operation in case of main drive failure

In the event of a main drive failure, auxiliary drives can take over. They can temporarily maintain critical onboard systems to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The combination of auxiliary drives and emergency diesel engines ensures maximum operational safety.

Do you have questions? We’re happy to assist you in selecting a comprehensive auxiliary drive system.

Comprehensive auxiliary drive solutions from Zeppelin Power Systems

With over 80 years of experience, Zeppelin Power Systems is your expert in auxiliary drives, offering a comprehensive portfolio in this field. From high-performance auxiliary engines and generators to modern control systems, we deliver complete solutions tailored to your requirements. Our extensive service offering, including maintenance and technical support, ensures that your systems always operate efficiently and reliably.

Planning

Consulting
Concept Development
Project Engineering

Engineering

Electrical & Installation Planning
Process Technology
CAD-based Planning

Project Management

Site Management
Technical Procurement
Quality Assurance

Plant Construction

Electrical Installation
Assembly
Commissioning and Test Run

Service

Maintenance
Routine Servicing
Troubleshooting Service

Selecting the right auxiliary drive

We support you in selecting the right auxiliary drive for your ship and work with you to analyze which drive best suits your needs.

Selecting the right auxiliary drive begins with a thorough analysis of the ship type and operating profile. Different vessel types, such as commercial ships, passenger ships, tankers, or research vessels, have specific requirements that determine the scope and functions of the auxiliary drive. Cargo ships require robust and durable systems to support continuous operation and the transport of heavy goods, while passenger ships rely on quiet and efficient drives that maximize passenger comfort.

The operating profile includes typical travel routes, frequency of use, and the type of cargo or passengers transported. These factors influence the demands on the durability and reliability of the auxiliary drive, as well as the need for special functions such as emergency power supply or enhanced maneuverability.

Another crucial aspect of selecting an auxiliary drive is meeting the specific power requirements of the ship. The auxiliary drive must provide sufficient power to reliably supply all electrical and mechanical systems onboard. This includes not only the continuous base load but also handling temporary peak loads that may occur under certain operating conditions.

When selecting an auxiliary drive, seamless integration and compatibility with the existing ship infrastructure are also critical. The auxiliary drive must be compatible with the onboard electrical systems, the main drive, and other key systems. A modular design of the auxiliary drive simplifies installation and allows for easy adaptation to various ship types and sizes.

Zeppelin Power Systems Industry applications for Marine

Auxiliary drives from Zeppelin Power Systems are used in many maritime sectors

Our auxiliary drives are available for many types of ships and are used in a wide variety of applications.

Government shipping Inland shipping Ferries Fishery Large and mega yachts Commercial shipping Cruise ships Offshore supply vessels Tugs and salvage vessels Hydraulic constructions Show all industry applications

Zeppelin Power Systems Solutions for Marine

Powerful main drives for every challenge

Complete main drive systems from a single source for cargo ships, passenger ships, and specialized vessels

We provide comprehensive main drive systems, including all services such as main engines, propellers, bow thrusters, exhaust aftertreatment systems (SCR systems), and the integration of the entire control system.

Zeppelin Power Systems Solutions for Marine