Schottel Rudder EcoPeller Picked For Ferry Retrofit

Schottel said its Rudder EcoPeller (SRE) is set to be installed in a retrofit project for the first time.

Two four-bladed Schottel EcoPellers type SRE 340 L CP with an input power of 750 kW each will be featured in a double-ended ferry from the Norwegian ferry operator Torghatten Trafikkselskap.

“We have already equipped several of our ferries with Schottel propellers,” said Gunnar Heringbotn, technical manager at Torghatten Trafikkselskap. “For the electrification of the Torghatten, we have opted for the SRE, as it optimally meets our requirements and supports us on our way to an eco-friendly future. Thanks to the tailor-made modernization concept, downtimes can be kept as short as possible.”

Since it is possible to integrate the Schottel solution into the existing steel structure of the former propulsion system, no hull changes or major steel work will be necessary, the company said. The work can be carried out by a local shipyard – thus reducing installation efforts and shortening downtime tremendously.

The EcoPellers will be driven by electric motors. In operating mode, the required power will be supplied by battery packs installed on board. These will be recharged from the land grid during the stays on the quay.

The propulsion system of the Norwegian ferry will be equipped with the patented and DNV-GL type-approved Schottel LEACON sealing system. Through the use of separate seals on the seawater side and on the gearbox side, the sealing system is designed to ensure that, in case of leakage, seawater entering the system or gear oil escaping from the system are collected in an intermediate chamber. This prevents water from entering the gearbox and, of even greater importance, oil from escaping into the seawater.

Covering the range from 500 to 5000 kW, Schottel EcoPellers ensure high efficiency and improve course keeping stability many times over. The ecologically clean propulsion system has been primarily developed for open seas and coastal operating conditions. By combining proven Schottel quality with latest technologies, the azimuth thruster contributes to the ship’s low fuel consumption, resulting in low operating costs and low emissions.

Torghatten Trafikkselskap AS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torghatten ASA, operates seagoing public transportation with 11 express boats and ferries in Nordland, Norway. The 70.0 m long and 14.7 m wide ferry Torghatten serves the route between Horn and Anddalsvåg. It is capable of carrying up to 199 passengers and 60 cars.