19.11.2019

Milestone order for German propulsion expert: SRE® enters tanker segment

Following the latest deliveries of SCHOTTEL Rudder EcoPellers for Norwegian ferries, the highly efficient azimuth thruster has now entered the tanker segment

Following the latest deliveries of SCHOTTEL Rudder EcoPellers for Norwegian ferries, the highly efficient azimuth thruster has now entered the tanker segment. The German manufacturer of propulsion systems recently received an order to supply two EcoPellers and a bow thruster for installation in a chemical/oil tanker. The tanker will be built at Chinese shipyard Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding and will be operated by a European owner.


Maximum manoeuvrability thanks to SCHOTTEL thrusters
The 120 m long and 21 m wide vessel is powered by an electric motor, which is vertically integrated into the azimuth thruster. The propulsion system of the tanker consists of two SCHOTTEL Rudder EcoPellers type SRE 460 L FP with an input power of 2,000 kW each and one SCHOTTEL Transverse Thruster type STT 170 FP. The SRE, with a fixed pitch propeller diameter of 2.70 m, will allow a service speed of 12 knots. To ensure maximum manoeuvrability, the tanker is fitted with one bow thruster.


Model tests confirm increased efficiency
Model tests carried out at the Chinese research institute SSRI confirm the outstanding performance of the EcoPeller. When compared to a conventional rudderpropeller with nozzle, it demonstrated a 10 percent increase in propulsion efficiency at a ship speed of 12 knots throughout testing.


Propelled by highly efficient SCHOTTEL Rudder EcoPellers
EcoPellers covering the power range from 500 to 5,000 kW ensure high efficiency –even at very low loads. As a result, the azimuth thruster contributes to the ship’s low fuel consumption and thus reduces operating costs and emissions. In addition, the SREs improve course-keeping stability and consequently reduce steering angle corrections.


Deadweight of 9.150 tonnes
With a design draft of 5.8 metres and a deadweight of 9.150 tonnes, the tanker is optimized for shallow water and river operating conditions. Designed by Chinese-based Bestway Marine Engineering Design, the vessel will mainly carry chemicals in bulk as well as industrial chemicals and clean petroleum products.