Thruster Cleaning & Polishing
Full thrust restored when you need it most
- Bow and stern tunnel thrusters, and azimuth units
- Full tunnel bore cleaned end to end
- Blade and hub cleaning and polishing
Get a quote
Tell us the vessel, the port and the window. Scoped reply, usually the same working day.
Thruster tunnels are among the worst fouling traps on any vessel. They are sheltered, they sit in still water for long periods, and they are rarely inspected — so growth accumulates on tunnel walls, blades and gratings until manoeuvring performance is noticeably down at exactly the moment it matters.
We clean the full tunnel bore, polish the propeller blades and hub, and clear the gratings, restoring flow and thrust. Blade and seal condition is inspected and reported during the same dive.
What you get
- Bow and stern tunnel thrusters, and azimuth units
- Full tunnel bore cleaned end to end
- Blade and hub cleaning and polishing
- Grating clearance and rope guard inspection
- Seal and blade condition reported with video
Where we deliver this
- Togo
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Liberia
- Sierra Leone
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- The Gambia
- Senegal
Scope of work
What is included as standard. Anything outside this is quoted separately and flagged before mobilisation, never added afterwards.
- 01
Tunnel cleaning
Fouling removed from the full length of the tunnel bore, including the areas behind gratings where growth is heaviest.
- 02
Blade cleaning and polishing
Propeller blades and hub cleaned and polished to restore surface finish and reduce cavitation-inducing roughness.
- 03
Grating and guard clearance
Gratings and rope guards cleared of growth, netting and debris that restrict flow or risk fouling the unit.
- 04
Condition inspection
Blade edges, seals and visible gearcase condition inspected and recorded, with any damage reported immediately.
How we deliver it
- 01
Isolation and permit
Thruster is electrically isolated and locked out, with a permit signed by the master before any diver approaches the tunnel.
- 02
Survey dive
Initial inspection establishes fouling extent and confirms there is no existing damage.
- 03
Cleaning and polishing
Tunnel, blades and gratings are worked under surface supervision with continuous video.
- 04
Report
Video and written report issued covering work done and component condition.
Frequently asked
What is thruster cleaning and polishing?
Thruster cleaning and polishing is the underwater removal of marine growth, rust, and fouling from a vessel's bow and stern thrusters and thruster tunnels, restoring smooth blade surfaces for optimal maneuvering performance.
Why is regular thruster cleaning important?
Fouled or corroded thrusters lose thrust power and maneuvering precision, especially during port entry and dynamic positioning. Bow thruster cleaning restores full thrust output, reduces vibration, and prevents premature blade wear.
Can thruster cleaning be done without dry-docking?
Yes. CleanShip Marine's divers perform underwater thruster cleaning and polishing while the vessel is afloat, eliminating the need for dry-docking and keeping the vessel operational.
Does thruster polishing improve fuel efficiency?
Yes. A polished, fouling-free thruster blade reduces drag and improves hydrodynamic efficiency, which supports better maneuvering response and lowers unnecessary fuel consumption during port operations.
How often should thrusters be cleaned?
Cleaning frequency depends on the vessel's trading pattern and fouling rate, but most operators schedule thruster cleaning services every 6-12 months, or alongside routine hull and propeller maintenance.
What vessels need thruster cleaning services?
Any vessel fitted with bow or stern thrusters - including tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, and offshore support vessels - benefits from regular thruster tunnel cleaning to maintain safe, efficient maneuvering.
What causes marine growth build-up inside thruster tunnels?
Thruster tunnels create low-flow zones that trap warm, still water, making them highly prone to barnacle and algae growth. Vessels on long port stays or tropical routes need more frequent thruster tunnel cleaning.
Is thruster cleaning safe for the thruster's coating and mechanics?
Yes. Our divers use controlled cleaning tools sized specifically for thruster tunnels, removing fouling without damaging blade coatings, seals, or the thruster housing.
What equipment is used for underwater thruster polishing?
CleanShip Marine uses diver-operated rotary polishing tools and abrasive pads calibrated for thruster blade alloys, delivering a smooth, low-friction finish similar to propeller super polishing techniques.
How do I book a thruster cleaning and polishing service?
You can request a quote for thruster cleaning and polishing through our website, or contact our team by phone, email, or WhatsApp to schedule diver mobilization at your vessel's port of call.
We always ready to serve you.
Tell us the vessel, the port and the window. You get a scope, a crew size and an honest duration — usually the same working day.