Magnus bow thruster?

[ombugge]

Another use of the “Magnus effect”. This time below water:

The rotor manoeuvring system is a good investment

The RMS consists of a vertical cylinder of corrosion-resistant composite material. At a sailing speed of 6 km/h or more, the cylinder can submerge into the water below the vessel. The operation of the system is based on the principle of the Magnus effect, the physical phenomenon in which the rotation of objects in a liquid or in air affects their propulsion. If the cylinder rotates quickly below the bow, a pressure difference arises in the water flowing past it between the starboard and port sides of the cylinder, with a sideways lift force or propulsion: in other words, the Magnus effect. By switching the rotation direction, the cylinder can pull the vessel to starboard or port. In this way, the bow is kept straight, so that there is no need to compensate with the main rudders, which can remain straight.
The rotor drops to a maximum of 1.20 metres below the bow, which means that the draught is very limited, and can be infinitely adjusted from an extension of 60 centimetres. Extension and retraction take place hydraulically. The rotation is controlled electrically with the aid of a 15-kilowatt electric motor. The system can be operated via an HDMI touchscreen and a handle that enables the skipper to control the speed of the electric motor.