Autonomous freight ferries will feature Schottel propulsion systems

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Vessels will carry the equivalent of 16 EU trailer loads across Oslo Fjord for grocery distributor ASKO

The two autonomous RO/RO freight ferries on order for Norwegian grocery distributor ASKO will have Schottel propulsion systems. As we reported earlier, the vessels are being built at Cochin Shipyard (CSL) in India. Both vessels will have full battery-electric propulsion and are designed for transporting trailers across Oslo Fjord between two of ASKO’s distribution centers.

“We have a clear ambition to be climate neutral and have set ambitious goals, including being a self-sufficient provider of clean energy and having 100% emission-free transport by 2026,” says Kai Just Olsen Director of ASKO Maritime, “These innovative ships are key to fulfilling that ambition and will form an essential component of a zero-emissions logistics chain linking our facilities. We are very pleased that Schottel is supporting us in this project.”

Schottel EcoPeller

High-efficiency Schottel EcoPellers

The main propulsion system of each vessel consists of one medium-sized Schottel EcoPeller type SRE 210 (500 kW) driven by an electric motor. This motor will be electrically powered by a battery bank of 1,846 kilowatt-hours capacity.

With its special hydrodynamically optimized design, the SRE generates maximum steering forces, thereby enabling top performance in terms of overall efficiency and course stability.

This reduces fuel consumption and ensures lower operating costs and lower emissions.

Schottel PumpJet

Improving maneuverability with Schottel PumpJets

An electrically powered Schottel PumpJet type SPJ 57 (200 kW) will be fitted at the bow to act both as thruster and take-home system. The extremely compact SPJ will improve manoeuvrability many times over.

Transporting 16 fully loaded EU trailers

The vessels will be fitted with a bridge forward and initially they will be operated with a crew on board. Once the service is established, the vessels will operate fully autonomously for ASKO with the ability to transport 16 fully loaded standard EU trailers at a time. These will be stowed on the open deck with a loading ramp at the stern.

The operating speed will be 10 knots and it is anticipated that this mode of trailer transport will replace over 2 million road miles per year of truck traffic, in turn saving around 5,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.

The 67-meter long vessels have been designed by Naval Dynamics in Norway. They will be built under DNV GL Classification and flagged in Norway. The contract includes options for two further vessels.

Both vessels are scheduled to enter operation in January 2022.

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