New Albacora Group freezer-seiner features Schottel SCP
Written by Nick BlenkeySpain’s Albacora Group, which operates the largest tuna fishing fleet in the European Union, recently commissioned its newest vessel, Galerno Lau. Built at Vigo-based shipyard Astilleros Armón, the 95.1 meters long by 14.8 meters beam freezer-seiner is the largest vessel built for Albacora in recent years.
Designed by Armón / Cintranaval, the vessel is equipped with a state-of-the-art Schottel propulsion system comprising one type SCP 109 4-X Schottel controllable pitch propeller. With an input power of 6,000 kW and a propeller diameter of 4.0 meters, it gives the vessel a maximum speed of 20 knots.
Thanks to the adjustable propeller blade pitch, SCPs are suited for a wide range of operations, such as maneuvering, berthing, and casting or hauling nets. This means the operator not only benefits from a high degree of efficiency, but also lower operating costs and reduced fuel consumption as a result. Furthermore, says Schottel, controllable pitch propellers have an impressively long service life and low maintenance requirements.