twin diff
Superior Steering Performance & increased fuel efficiency - Proven on over 40 vessels
CT Marine's TwinDIFF system has been installed on more than 40 vessels and is available for new construction or retrofit. Developed and patented by CT Marine, the system is engineered to maintain foil lift across a wider range of rudder angles, delivering measurable gains in maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and steering force across the full operating range.
How It Works
TwinDIFF rudders are designed to maintain foil lift across a wider range of rudder angles. Two rudders are positioned behind the propellers and operate at different angles, increasing side thrust, improving vessel response, and reducing the amount of flanking required to manage a tow.
The complete package includes rudder trunks, finished rudders, hubs, linkage, hydraulics, and all steering components
Operators
TwinDIFF is currently in service with Tidewater Barge Lines, Ingram Marine Group, Cenac Marine Services, Hines Furlong Lines, American Commercial Barge Line, Marquette Transportation, Express Marine, Kirby Corp, Higman Barge Lines, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and more.
Performance
~18% improvement in steering effectiveness at full RPM
10–12% fuel savings in normal operation
Approximately 40% more effective steering area at low speed, such as docking or lock approaches
Ability to remove shaft and propeller without dropping rudders
Reduced vibration compared to conventional systems
TwinDiff is compatible with conventional shafts and propellers, making it well suited for upriver operation where Z-drives are limited.
In the News
Featured in WorkBoat Magazine, March 2025 — Propulsion Transforms a Floating Hull into a Workboat