Schottel pushes propulsion all the way
Schottel has launched the latest in its line of rudder propellers as well as announcing acquisitions.
Propulsion system firm Schottel launched the latest in its rudder propellers at SMM, also reiterating its commitment to expansion with two recent purchases.
The surge in offshore wind has prompted the need for different vessel designs, said Roland Schwandt, vice president Sales, which is why the company has developed a new rudder propeller – the SRP-D (‘D’ for ‘dynamic’).
“In the gas and oil market, vessels are used mainly to transport chemicals around the rigs, whereas now it’s transporting engineers that’s the focus,” he said.
“The wind farm operator wants as many hours as possible out on the vessels, and they need to be able to move even in harsh conditions.”
The SRP-D has three main new elements: a faster steering reaction time; a tilted gear box, allowing the thrusters to be placed closer together and thus afford more manoeuvrability in a wider area safely; and the placing of the electric motor on top, which eliminates a gear step, he said.
“We are concentrating on propulsion systems,” said Schwandt. “If you look to the larger competitors they have a very diverse portfolio – but we are focusing on propulsion.”
In other Schottel news, the company has just made two key purchases to add to its portfolio: electric systems integrator elkon, and AQUOS, a new firm that specialises in marine technologies such as underwater anchoring systems.
