Nautical Term: Stern thruster
Definition of Stern thruster
A stern thruster refers to a propulsion unit installed close to the stern of a watercraft. Its primary function is to generate transverse thrust, thereby enhancing maneuverability and assisting in docking or undocking processes.
For example, consider a large cruise ship entering a narrow harbor. The captain relies on the stern thruster to counteract the watercraft’s natural tendency to turn in the opposite direction when maneuvering in tight spaces. By precisely controlling the thrust generated by the stern thruster, the captain is able to guide the cruise ship into its designated berth.
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