Agenda Session

Deep sea thrusters are among the most critical components of any subsea vehicle — without reliable propulsion, even the most advanced systems become ineffective. Over the past six decades, Innerspace Corporation has developed and refined thruster technologies, transitioning from hydraulically driven systems to modern electric motor designs. Reliable deep-sea performance has been achieved through a combination of old technologies such as oil-filled, pressure-balanced housings, and modern innovations such as advanced sealing systems, high efficiency brushless DC motors and reliable electrical connectors. While engineering design is central to performance, long-term reliability ultimately depends on proper operation, handling, and maintenance in the field. Drawing on more than 60 years of experience in thruster manufacturing, this presentation will share key lessons learned and practical recommendations for ensuring safe and dependable performance of deep-sea propulsion systems. The insights offered will be valuable to designers, operators, and maintenance personnel dedicated to improving the reliability and safety of subsea vehicles.