Sealing assembly and retractable thruster system therefor

A sealing assembly for a stem tube implemented in a retractable thruster system, the sealing assembly comprising:

• an annular sealing housing, arranged concentrically in a floating manner to enable radial movement, around the stem tube, comprising:
• a first sealing layer, arranged at an opening of the annular sealing housing, configured to prevent marine growth and fluid ingress;
• a second sealing layer, arranged after the first sealing layer, configured to form a water-tight seal against the stem tube;
• a third sealing layer, arranged after the second sealing layer, configured to accommodate relative movement of the stem tube;
• a fourth sealing layer, arranged between the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer, configured to be inflated for providing a temporary sealing barrier;
• and
• a drainage channel, arranged between the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer, configured to provide a dedicated path for removal of fluid ingress from the annular sealing housing, and
• wherein the second sealing layer includes a multi-layered chevron seal.