Schottel thrusters, nozzles boost efficiency of bulk carrier

(SPAY, Germany) — Due to a customized modernization by the Schottel after-sales team, the operability of the Norwegian bulk carrier Pirholm is secured for the coming decades. With comparatively low installation effort numerous advantages could be achieved, such as a significant speed improvement due to the new Schottel high-performance nozzle SDV45. This has reduced operating costs and fuel consumption while further improving maneuverability, which is particularly important during service on fish farms.

“Schottel has convinced us by responding to our needs and finding an individual, custom-fit solution for the vessel,” said Nils Tore Opstad Melingen, general manager at vessel owner Bio Feeder AS. “We are absolutely satisfied with the performance of the Schottel thrusters and would always decide the same way again. Moreover, Schottel as an OEM guarantees the availability of spare parts for the next decades.”

Originally equipped with two Schottel rudder propellers type SRP 330, two new Schottel azimuth thrusters type SRP 190 have been installed to modernize the 26-year-old fish food carrier. Since the Schottel solution could be integrated into the existing steel structure of the former propulsion system, no hull changes or major steel work were necessary. In addition, the work could be carried out by a local shipyard – reducing installation costs and shortening downtime.

The newly installed rudder propellers are equipped with the SDV45 high-performance nozzles developed by Schottel. These generate more thrust and thus improve course-keeping ability and position stability. Furthermore, the Schottel VarioDuct nozzles ensure that maneuverability and free running have optimized. The new propulsion units do not only lead to a significant speed improvement and reduced fuel consumption, but also to considerably lower operating costs.

For more information, visit www.schottel.de.

By Professional Mariner Staff