Schottel Expands Portfolio

From the world’s First hydrogen Ferry to rotortugs and Fireboats, steerable propulsion manuFacturer schottel is involved in a wide range of projects. and the company has just expanded its portfolio to also include automation systems and marine services.

All photos courtesy oF schottel.

Despite the generally low newbuilding activity in the marine industry, Schottel’s deputy ceo & president marine hans laheij says his company has been awarded numerous contracts. he credits the involvement in the new projects to the broad portfolio of services it offers. “We offer propulsion systems, automation systems and marine services for vessels of all types and sizes all over the globe, for new builds as well as existing vessels.” In recent years, Schottel has invested in a sustainable production facility in Doerth, germany and increased its global network through the establishment of new subsidiaries in norway and turkey. it also expanded its portfolio to include automation systems and marine services. “This allows us to respond even better to the needs of our customers. above all, it enables users to contribute in the gained insights in the most profitable way to maximise their vessels’ full potential”, states Mr Laheij. “With propulsion systems, data acquisition and analysis as well as respective services for performance evaluation and condition-based maintenance, we cover the full chain of a digital optimisation process on propulsion systems.”

Triangular Propulsion System In February, Schottel was awarded a contract from master boat builders to supply a total of six rudderpropellers for two rotortugs. the tugs are being built for US-based Seabulk Towing and will feature the advanced rotortug (art) design, which is a triangular propulsion system which significantly improves tug manoeuvrability and enables safe working conditions at all

Schottel is supplying high effi ciency azimuth thrusters for two environmentally friendly vessels for the Norwegian ferry operator Norled.

Trident is the fi rst of three US Rotortugs built by Alabama-based Master Boat Builders for Seabulk Towing Inc. It is also propelled by Schottel Rudderpropellers.

ti mes. Both the tugs will be propelled by three rudderpropellers type srp 430 Fp with a propeller diameter of 2.40m, each driven by a 1,771kw diesel engine. the new vessels will operate alongside the company’s existi ng harbour fl eet in the Gulf of Mexico and the east coast of the united states. delivery is scheduled for the second half of 2021 and 2022.

Low Noise and Vibration Levels canadian operator bc Ferries is building four new 81m long road ferries and has ordered two high-effi ciency Schott el Twin propellers for each ferry. the vessels are being built at Damen Shipyards Galati in romania, and are based on damen’s road Ferry 8117 e3 design. the main propulsion for each ferry consists of a pair of electric motors – each rated 950kw at 1,700rpm and driving the Schott el STP 340 azimuth thrusters. provided with a propeller diameter of 1.85m, the STP enables a freesailing speed of 14 knots. the twin Propellers are a good opti on for quiet vessels or applicati ons with limited installati on space, draught or propeller clearance. by sharing the load between two propellers, the risk of cavitati on is minimised and ti p clearance is increased. This leads to lower under-water radiated noise and vibrati on levels.

World’s First Another project involving Schott el is the constructi on of two environmentally

friendly vessels for the norwegian ferry operator norled. one of these lmg marin designed vessels, built at westcon yards in norway, is the fi rst ferry in the world to sail on liquid hydrogen. the vessel is a 50/50 hybrid mix of batt eries and hydrogen fuel cells. the second ferry is powered by batt eries only. each new vessel is driven by two Schott el Rudder EcoPellers type SRE 340 L Fp with an input power of 960kw each. With fi xed pitch propellers and a propeller diameter of 2.10m, the ferry can operate at a service speed of 12 knots. “We are proud to be part of a high variety of projects”, states Mr Laheij. “Each project is interesti ng and challenging in its own way.” He adds, “Personally, I am parti cularly interested in projects that involve innovati ve propulsion concepts, such as hybrid or digital approaches. we strive to accompany our customers in the best possible way to a greener future, and help them to comply with emission and environmental regulati ons.” marin designed vessels, built at westcon yards in norway, is the fi rst ferry in the world to sail on liquid hydrogen. the vessel is a 50/50 hybrid mix of batt eries and hydrogen fuel cells. the

i. schottel.com