Seawork exhibitor courts the emerging Indian market

Six new workboats, each incorporating two Kort KT300AZ azimuthing units, are being built for the IWAI, the body which oversees the development and regulation of India’s inland waterways for shipping and navigation.

The authority primarily undertakes projects for the development and maintenance of infrastructure on national waterways (via the Indian Ministry of Shipping). Kort was in contact at the design stage, offering advice in respect of vessel propulsion performance, which includes of vessel resistance estimates, free running speed and bollard pull predictions.

As part of the design process, Kort offers these detailed estimates of vessel performance, including other variables such as the expected thrust and rpm across the speed range. Once all the variables are decided upon, the company then continues the development by working closely with both the shipyard and owners to get the desired combination of capabilities.

In this instance, the Kort KT300AZ units will be powered by Greaves Cotton Indian engines which develop 275hp at 1,800rpm driving fixed blade propellers through 3:1 reduction gearboxes. The water cooled marine diesels work with an overcentre clutch, torsional vibration coupling and cardan shafts.

The company emphasises that the design of the complete system is based on established components, proven to provide long life and reliability with low maintenance requirements. It is important to the customer that the design has a ‘proven history’, having been supplied to a number of other owners that operate in diverse and sometimes adverse conditions.

The 12 units are an exciting order for Kort Propulsion, representing a significant step into the newly burgeoning Indian market. The company can be found on Stands 67 and 97 at Seawork 2010.