Becker Schilling® Rudder: For optimum manoeuvrability

The Becker Schilling® Rudder is a high-lift rudder with a specially developed profile that enhances the manoeuvrability of vessels of all sizes and types. It is a strategic optimisation of the use of the trailing edge area and its shape is reminiscent of a fish tail. This unique shape accelerates the flow and maximises rudder balance, thereby optimising propeller coverage.

In addition, the rudder minimises rudder “hunting" during autopilot operation, improves course keeping, and ensures enhanced safety and efficiency. This good flow control at large rudder angles leads to exceptional manoeuvrability with reduced drag for the same rudder size.

The Becker Schilling® Rudder allows operation at rudder angles of up to +/-70°, which offers a significant advantage in terms of manoeuvrability and control compared to conventional semi-spade rudders that operate at +/- 35°. 

This capability to achieve higher rudder angles, in combination with a suitable steering gear, makes the Becker Schilling® Rudder ideal for sideways manoeuvres and Dynamic Positioning operations.

Advantages of the Becker Schilling® Rudder

Safety and Performance

  • Minimal rudder hunting for steady course-keeping
  • Operation in ice
  • Enables secure and reliable astern manoeuvring
  • Exceptional control for berthing situations

Manoeuvrability

  • Smallest turning circles even at zero speed with angles of 65°-70°
  • Enables crabbing at zero speed
  • High lift improves the vessel's responsiveness
  • Reduced weight contributes to easier handling
  • Optimised profile for better hydrodynamic efficiency

Efficiency

  • Enhanced course keeping for more efficient navigation
  • Optimal Dynamic Positioning (DP) functionality
  • Reduced need for tug assistance
Illustration of Becker Schilling Rudder

The Becker Schilling® Rudder is particularly effective for

  • Tankers
  • General cargo carriers/heavy lift vessels
  • Offshore vessels & Workboats
  • Fishing vessels

Options of the Becker Schilling® Rudder

Heel Pintle
King Support
Rudder Bulb
Heel Pintle

Heel Pintle

Safe rudder usage on small ships

Becker Marine Systems offers the option to equip the Becker Twist Rudder with a heel pintle and heel pintle bearing. Heel pintles are typically used on smaller vessels such as fishing boats, offshore ships, workboats, and tugs, providing additional stability and enhanced manoeuvrability.

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Becker heel pintle option for manoeuvring systems
See arrow: The heel pintle arm acts like a rope guard and protects the rudder from ropes and nets.
King Support

King Support

Efficiency and stability for large ships

King Support technology is characterised by the integration of the main neck bearing directly in the rudder blade. This design is primarily used in larger ships with a rudder surface of over 20 square metres. This advanced technology enables Becker to manufacture more efficient rudders with slimmer profiles and therefore less resistance. King support rudders contribute significantly to the overall efficiency of the vessel.

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Illustration of a Becker Flap Rudder with King Support
Rudder with King Support: KSR position of neck bearing. The same hydrodynamic forces on the rudder result in lower stress and bending moments due to the shorter distance between the centre of gravity and the neck bearing, as well as reduced reaction forces on the neck and carrier bearings.
Rudder Bulb

Rudder Bulb

Boosting ship efficiency

The Becker Twist Rudder can be equipped with a rudder bulb, specially designed to enhance the ship's overall propulsive efficiency. The rudder bulb addresses the issue of the hub vortex – a strong swirling flow formed behind the propeller that leads to efficiency losses and potential cavitation damage. As an optional addition to the Becker Twist Rudder, the rudder bulb offers a valuable solution to increase the overall efficiency of the ship.

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Illustration of the Becker rudder bulb
Rudder with rudder bulb.

Becker Schilling® TT Rudder – Maximising propulsion efficiency

The Becker Schilling® TT rudder is a further development of the Schilling rudder and aims to maximise propulsion efficiency. With a slimmer design and a twisted trailing edge, it offers more efficient performance without compromising manoeuvrability. While the Becker Schilling® Rudder stands for extreme manoeuvrability, the Becker Schilling® TT Rudder offers a balanced compromise between manoeuvrability and efficiency.

Best compromise of efficiency and manoeuvrability

  • Combines high lift with twisted profile
  • Optimal balance between manoeuvrability and efficiency
  • Improved harbour manoeuvring 
  • Provides high lift forces without movable parts 
  • Tailored for reduced maintenance
  • Safe operation in various conditions, including ice
  • Crabbing at zero speed

Proven performance for your ship

At Becker Marine Systems we attach great importance to the efficiency and performance of our manoeuvring systems. In a market characterised by strict regulations, our aim is not only to make ships more efficient, but also more sustainable. In order to fulfil these high requirements, we carry out extensive development, testing and measurements of our rudders. CFD simulations and model testing are an integral part of our design process. This allows us to evaluate the performance of our rudder solutions in direct comparison with other manufacturers and ensure that our products meet the highest standards in terms of efficiency and performance. 

Technology & Innovations

We are proud that our rudder solutions are regularly selected as the preferred choice for new builds and retrofit projects, underlining our leading position in the field of maritime efficiency technologies.

Becker Product Brochure

Becker Product Brochure

Becker Rudder Systems

Title of Becker rudder systems brochure
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Becker Marine Systems
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(German office hours)
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