Uzmar opts for Steerprop thrusters for three tug newbuilds

Steerprop’s W Series is a modular and scalable propulsion line with a power range from 900 to 7,000 kW. The propulsion units can have open or ducted propellers and can be delivered with a Z-drive or L-drive configuration.

Turkey’s Uzmar Shipyards has selected Steerprop SP 20 WD azimuth propulsion units, each rated at 1,610 kW, for a series of three Robert Allan Ltd. designed RAmparts 2300_UZM tugs. Each tug will be equipped with two of the units which are set for delivery to the shipyard in third quarter 2021.

“The Robert Allan designed RAmparts 2300_UZM tugs with 50+ ton of bollard pull are very efficient and agile tugs, providing a lot of performance in a compact package”, says Donato Agostinelli, sales manager at Steerprop. “Since the tugs will be operating in challenging conditions and performing very different tasks throughout their life, the propulsion units must be efficient and reliable under all circumstances. For these reasons, the units also come with our condition monitoring system as standard.”

ELECTRICAL STEERING

To increase the achieved bollard pull and improve maneuverability, the azimuth propulsors have an electrical steering system that enables more efficient use of the main engine’s power than hydraulic steering.

“The agile electrical steering system in our Z-drive azimuth propulsion increases overall performance and reduces the running costs of the vessels,” says Agostinelli. “The electrical system can also be upgraded with a battery pack to enhance performance even further, while at the same time lowering the environmental footprint of the system.”

The propulsors’ electric steering gears also provides a constant steering speed, which is essential when performing sensitive tasks like escorting tankers.

“Since the steering uses power only when actively turning, it is very energy-efficient,” says Agostinelli. “In addition, the electrical steering also produces significantly less noise than hydraulic steering systems and requires little service due to its mechanically simple construction.”

The Uzmar order marks a re-entry into the tugboat sector for Steerprop, which is based in Finland and has delivered thrusters for every third icebreaker in operation around the world.

“We identified a clear customer need and saw that we could make the necessary changes to our base design in the short time we had at hand”, Agostinelli says. “We think this is a great reference to make a re-entry in a segment that is not new to us, but in which we have not been present for a while.”