Propulsion Systems
Gears, propellers, and thrusters for the Icelandic fleet
Héðinn supplies and supports Kongsberg Maritime propulsion equipment across the Icelandic fishing and commercial fleet. Reduction gears from NIDEC and Reintjes, controllable-pitch and fixed-pitch propellers, azimuth thrusters, and tunnel thrusters, backed by factory-trained service and in-stock parts.
Propulsion expertise built on Ulstein and Kamewa foundations
Kongsberg Maritime propulsion technology is rooted in the engineering traditions of Ulstein in Norway and Kamewa in Sweden. The product range spans fixed-pitch propellers, controllable-pitch propellers, reduction gears, azimuth thrusters, and tunnel thrusters, and is among the most established propulsion portfolios serving the Icelandic fishing fleet.
Héðinn acts as the authorized dealer in Iceland, providing access to Kongsberg equipment alongside NIDEC and Reintjes reduction gearboxes. The team supports newbuild specification, vessel upgrades, life-extension retrofits, and unplanned repair situations requiring fast parts access and on-site response.
The Ship and Machinery Department holds propulsion parts inventory and coordinates directly with suppliers to minimise off-hire time when a vessel needs to get back to work quickly.
Propulsion Equipment
Product categories supplied and serviced by Héðinn
Each product category covers a defined engineering role in the propulsion train. Héðinn provides specification support, supply, installation coordination, and service across all categories listed below.
NIDEC and Reintjes reduction gears for diesel-mechanical propulsion. Héðinn holds parts inventory and provides service support for the most common units in the Icelandic fleet.
- NIDEC and Reintjes gearboxes
- Parts in stock for common models
- Workshop and on-site service
Kongsberg fixed-pitch propellers for fishing vessels and commercial tonnage. Supply, reconditioning, and pitch/diameter advice matched to engine and hull.
- Kongsberg fixed-pitch supply
- Reconditioning and balancing
- Diameter and pitch optimisation
Full-range CPP systems where vessel operating conditions demand variable thrust and improved fuel economy. Specification, supply, and service through the Kongsberg network.
- Variable pitch for multi-duty operation
- Hydraulic system support
- Kongsberg-authorized service
Steerable azimuth units providing both thrust and directional control without a separate rudder. Suitable for trawlers, offshore support, and vessels requiring precise manoeuvring.
- Combined thrust and steering
- Trawler and offshore configurations
- Supply and installation support
Bow and stern tunnel thrusters for port manoeuvring and dynamic positioning assist. Selection and installation advice for new builds and retrofit projects.
- Bow and stern configurations
- Newbuild and retrofit projects
- Control system integration
Planned maintenance, unplanned breakdown response, and periodic overhaul for the full propulsion train. Héðinn mobilises to the vessel or the vessel comes to the workshop.
- Planned and breakdown service
- On-site and workshop response
- Supplier-backed technical support
Propulsion product line overview
A reference guide to the propulsion equipment Héðinn supplies, the primary manufacturers behind each product, and the service capability available in Iceland.
| Product | Manufacturer | Application | Service available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduction gearbox | NIDEC, Reintjes | Diesel-mechanical main propulsion | Parts stock, workshop and on-site |
| Fixed-pitch propeller | Kongsberg Maritime | Fishing and commercial vessels | Supply, reconditioning, balancing |
| Controllable-pitch propeller | Kongsberg Maritime | Multi-duty and trawler operations | Full CPP system and hydraulics |
| Azimuth thruster | Kongsberg Maritime | Trawlers, offshore support vessels | Supply and installation coordination |
| Tunnel thruster (bow/stern) | Kongsberg Maritime | Manoeuvring and DP assist | Newbuild and retrofit supply |
From initial enquiry to vessel back in service
Propulsion work follows a defined path from problem identification through parts supply and installation to post-service verification.
Define the requirement
Describe the vessel, equipment model, and the work needed. The team identifies whether the job is specification, supply, repair, or planned maintenance and routes accordingly.
Confirm parts and lead times
Héðinn checks stock, contacts Kongsberg, NIDEC, or Reintjes as required, and confirms parts availability and delivery timeframe before the vessel commits to a schedule.
Workshop or on-site execution
The Ship and Machinery Department carries out the work in the Héðinn workshop, at the quayside, or at sea, depending on the scope and the vessel schedule.
Test and return to service
Sea trial or quayside test confirms correct operation. Documentation is provided and the vessel returns to operation with supplier-backed confidence in the work.
Common propulsion questions
Answers to questions that often come up early in a propulsion project or service discussion.
Héðinn supplies and services NIDEC and Reintjes reduction gearboxes for diesel-mechanical propulsion. Both brands are well-represented in the Icelandic fleet. Héðinn holds parts inventory for the most common models, reducing lead times for planned service and unplanned repairs.
A fixed-pitch propeller (FPP) has blades cast at a single angle, so thrust is adjusted by varying engine speed. A controllable-pitch propeller (CPP) allows the blade angle to be adjusted hydraulically while the shaft continues rotating, giving the vessel the ability to vary thrust and reverse direction without changing engine speed. CPP systems are common on vessels that operate across a wide range of duties, such as trawlers that alternate between towing and transit.
Yes. Tunnel thruster retrofits require hull cutting, tube fabrication, and integration with the vessel's electrical and control systems. Héðinn can coordinate the full scope, combining propulsion supply with the steel fabrication, machining, and control work carried out by other departments in the same workshop.
Response time depends on the failure type and parts availability. For equipment where Héðinn holds stock, the team can often mobilise the same day. For parts that need to be sourced from Kongsberg, NIDEC, or Reintjes, Héðinn manages the supplier communication and logistics to get the vessel back to work as quickly as possible. Contact the Ship and Machinery Department directly for urgent situations.
Héðinn's primary service area is Iceland, but the team can coordinate parts supply and technical support for Icelandic vessels operating internationally. Contact the department to discuss the vessel location and scope.
Have a propulsion question not covered here?
Contact the Ship and Machinery Department directly.