Schottel Supplies Three Propulsion Systems To Otto Candies

Schottel supplied three separate propulsion systems for a new inspection maintenance repair (IMR) vessel built by Candies Shipbuilders and owned by its parent company Otto Candies.

The vessel’s two Combi Drives, two transverse thrusters and one retractable rudderpropeller are designed for maximum maneuverability and a high free running speed for the U.S.-flagged IMR vessel.

The ship Paul Candies incorporates two SCD 560 STP Schottel Combi Drive azimuth thrusters which help the diesel-electric vessel reach 14 knots. The 2600 kW SCD 560 STP features Schottel’s twin propeller concept. By sharing the load between two propellers, this concept increases propulsion efficiency and reduces fuel consumption over single propeller systems, the company said. Beyond this, two type STT 5 FP bow thrusters (each of 1050 kW) and one 800 kW type SRP 260 R FP retractable bow thruster ensure precise and high maneuverability in DP mode, the company said.

“We have relied on Schottel products for many years. Several of our vessels are equipped with propulsion systems from Schottel – some even with the electric Combi Drive,” said Otto B. Candies III, vice chairman at Otto Candies. “As a result of the very good performance of the azimuth thrusters and the reduced service and maintenance efforts, we have once again decided in favor of Schottel’s Combi Drive.”

Otto Candies deploys the MT6020 Marin Teknikk-designed vessel in the worldwide offshore industry. The 101.25 m long and 20.60 m wide vessel is named after Paul Candies, the long-time president of Otto Candies. Paul Candies joins the other 42 vessels in the Otto Candies fleet.

With the SCD L-Drive design principle, the electric motor is integrated vertically into the Rudderpropeller, resulting in a highly efficient variant of the SRP and STP propulsion units. The elimination of the upper gearbox has numerous advantages such as reduced mechanical losses, low noise and vibration levels as well as fewer maintenance requirements. The SCD features a very compact thruster which offers approximately 20% space savings compared to Z-Drive installation, the company said. This gives additional room for further equipment.