Schottel systems selected for versatile German Waterways Administration vessels

Maneuverability, high bollard pull, increased availability combined with maximum propulsion efficiency are important for the 90 meter long multipurpose vessels.

Three new LNG-fueled multi-purpose vessels ordered from the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard (A&R) in Lemwerder for Germany’s Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV) will be equipped with Schottel propulsion systems.

The tasks of the multi-purpose vessels include: working on aids to navigation, performing waterways police missions, combating pollutant spills and fighting fires, emergency towing, taking care of injured persons at sea and the deployment of hydroacoustic equipment. Besides 16 crewmembers, up to thirty-four additional forces can be accommodated on board.

Special facilities on board the vessels include a gas-tight “citadel” structure with a protective air supply, enabling operations to be carried out in hazardous atmospheres that might be encountered in the event of accidents involving hazardous materials.

A helipad is located on the foredeck and a winch area is located above the stern. In this way, additional forces and materials can be brought on board the multi-purpose vessels safely.

MANEUVERABILITY A PRIORITY

Maneuverability, high bollard pull, increased availability combined with maximum propulsion efficiency are important for these 90 meter long vessels. These requirements are met using two powerful Schottel RudderPropellers and one PumpJet in each vessel.

The two type SRP 750 Schottel RudderPropellers (each rated at 4,500 kW at 750 rpm) allow the vessels to reach a speed of over 15 knots and a bollard pull of at least 145 tonnes. With an input power of up to 5,300 kW, the SRP 750 is one of the most powerful rudder propellers in the entire Schottel portfolio.

A 2,990 kW type SPJ 520 Schottel PumpJet further increases the maneuverability of the vessels and is also suitable for operation in shallower waters thanks to being installed flush with the hull. The SPJ is mounted elastically, which reduces noise and vibration levels on board as well as lessening underwater noise.

All three vessels will be equipped with Schottel MariHub, Schottel’s data acquisition and IoT gateway system which records and analyzes signals from sensors, machinery and other components that can then be evaluated for the customer by Schottel.

Using the ProCMS condition monitoring service, MariHub allows for early detection of irregularities in the drive train. This predictive maintenance approach significantly increases the availability of the multi-purpose vessels: ProCMS can reduce maintenance costs and improve maintenance planning.

The first vessel is set to enter service in 2023, the second a year later and the third in 2025.