Rolls-Royce has received £18m of orders for the supply of azimuth thrusters to power 18 new tugs that are under construction in Chinese shipyards.

The thrusters include an electric motor and a propeller which, as a combined unit, can be rotated horizontally in any direction to manoeuvre the vessel without the need for a rudder.

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The company said that 12 new tugs will be delivered to Qingdao and Yingkou Ports, four of which will be the most powerful under operation in China.

China-based Tangshan and Tangshan Cao Feidian Ports have also placed orders for a total of six tugs.

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