 Because of their versatility and ease of positioning, these thrusters can be used as both propulsion and positioning thrusters even from the stern of the ship (Azimuth Thrusters - Kongsberg).They use low power bursts to position in whichever direction suits the vessel’s needs and use greater power directed astern when propelling the entire ship.There are offshoots of Azimuth thrusters such as CRP thrusters which are two contra-rotating Azimuth thrusters or Swing-Up Azimuth thrusters that can be retracted when not in use to reduce drag on the vessel (Wartsila Encyclopedia).