A new Inspection Maintenance Repair (IMR) vessel is equipped with three different Schottel propulsion systems to enable maximum manoeuvrability and a high free-running speed.
Built by Candies Shipbuilders and owned by its parent company Otto Candies, LLC, US-flagged Paul Candies features two Combi Drives, two transverse azimuth thrusters and one retractable rudder propeller.
“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 favour of SCHOTTEL’s Combi Drive,” said Otto B. Candies III, vice chairman at Otto Candies, LLC.
Capable of 14 knots
Due to two type SCD 560 STP SCHOTTEL Combi Drive azimuth thrusters, the 101.25 m long MT6020 Marin Teknikk design diesel-electric vessel can reach 14 knots in speed. The 2600kW SCD 560 STP features the SCHOTTEL twin propeller concept. By sharing the load between two propellers, this concept increases propulsion efficiency and reduces fuel consumption over single propeller systems. Additionally, two type STT 5 FP bow thrusters (each 1,050kW) and one 800kW type SRP 260 R FP retractable bow thruster ensure precise and high manoeuvrability in DP mode.
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 means reduced mechanical losses, low noise and vibration levels, as well as fewer maintenance requirements. The SCD’s compact thruster offers approximately 20% space savings compared to Z-Drive installation.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
