Schottel to propel hydrogen-fueled ferry

Two new environmentally friendly vessels for Norled will be propelled by high efficiency azimuth thrusters from Schottel (Image: LMG Marin/Norled)

Two new environmentally friendly vessels for Norwegian ferry operator Norled will be propelled by high efficiency azimuth thrusters from Schottel. One of the two LMG Marin designed vessels – currently under construction at Westcon Yards, Norway – is expected to be the first ferry in the world to sail on liquid hydrogen.

“Our goal is to create a new icon among eco-friendly ferries,” says Sigvald Breivik, technical director at Norled. “Our goal is to create a new icon among eco-friendly ferries. Hydrogen, as a zero-emission fuel, will be the alternative energy for ferry propulsion systems in cases where longer sailing distances are required and charging batteries is not possible. The energy efficient Schottel Rudder EcoPeller (SRE), which we now have selected for several of our new vessels, is an important piece in this puzzle. Through this selection, we ensure our place at the forefront of the development of zero-emission ferries.”

Both ferry newbuilds will use a hybrid mix of batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. Each of the new vessels will be propelled by two type SRE 340 L FP Schottel Rudder EcoPeller each with an input power of 960 kW each and 2.10 m diameter fixed pitch propellers.

The ferries will operate at a service speed of 12 knots.

The SRE optimally meets Norled’s requirements as it covers the power range from 500 to 5,000 kW and ensures high efficiency even at very low loads. It is an ecologically friendly propulsion system developed primarily for open seas and coastal operating conditions.

The LMG 80 ferries measure 82.40 m in overall length and have a molded breadth of 17.00 m. They will operate on the Hjelmeland – Skipavik – Nesvik route in Ryfylke, Rogaland County starting in the spring of 2021. The double-ended vessels will each have a capacity of 299 passengers and 80 cars.