Schottel Propulsion For 10 Crab Catchers

Ten new crab-catching vessels for Russian companies will incorporate Schottel propulsion packages.

The vessels for Antey, Merlion and Aqvainvest crab catching companies will be built at different shipyards in Russia and are designed by Damen as design type CC 5712. Eight will be constructed at Nakhodka and a further two at Brothers Nobel shipyard. They are scheduled to enter operation from 2020 to 2024.

Each of the 57.7 m long and 12.6 m wide ice-class vessels will be equipped with one four-bladed Schottel ControllablePropeller type SCP 774 featuring a propeller diameter of 2.8 m and driven by a 1620 kW diesel engine (750 rpm). With this configuration, the vessels will achieve a free running speed of approximately 12 knots. For improved maneuverability, each new build will also be provided with one 400 kWSchottel TransverseThruster type STT 1 CP.

Crab catching is a very diverse operation: On the one hand, the vessel needs to be able to get back to the fishing ground fast and efficiently and, on the other hand, maneuver precisely to position and haul the crab pots. Furthermore, the crab-catching grounds are rather remote areas with extremely harsh weather conditions, which demand robust and reliable equipment.

State-of-the-art calculation methods ensure that each SCP is optimally adapted to hydrodynamic conditions. In this way, operators benefit from a high degree of efficiency leading to lower operating costs and reduced fuel consumption. In addition, the robust design of the SCP keeps maintenance requirements to a minimum and ensures a long service life.

The Schottel Group has been developing and manufacturing azimuth propulsion and complete propulsion systems with power ratings of up to 30 MW for vessels of all sizes and types for 70 years.