Steerprop manoeuvrability for milestone cable-laying vessel
A Steerprop’s custom propulsion system will enhance environmental performance and manoeuvrability for the world’s largest cable-laying vessel, set for delivery in 2026.
Steerprop’s fit-for-purpose propulsion system aims to revolutionise operations in deep offshore power projects, ensuring Jan De Nul’s newbuild Fleeming Jenkin meets stringent maritime environmental regulations and customer requirements.
“This is a milestone project for us and not just because of the technology; we showed that we were able to adapt to various end-customer requirements and be flexible in terms of CMHI’s needs in order to ensure that the building and commissioning phases occur seamlessly,” said Juho Rekola, director of sales and project management at Steerprop.
Better manoeuvrability
The Fleeming Jenkin, built by China Merchants Heavy Industry Haimen (CMHI) and owned by Jan De Nul Group, will feature four azimuth thrusters for main propulsion, along with three tunnel thrusters and two retractable ones for enhanced manoeuvrability.
The contract also includes an additional full main thruster and an extensive spares package. Jan De Nul is simultaneously constructing a second identical vessel, each capable of carrying 28,000 tonnes of cable.
Jan Van de Velde, director of newbuilds at Jan De Nul, added: “This vessel and the technologies on board are designed by our in-house specialists.”
“We are happy to add to that the expertise of Steerprop in delivering a comprehensive propulsion system for our cable-laying vessel under construction, resulting in high-maneuverable and performant vessels for challenging offshore conditions.”
The Fleeming Jenkin demonstrates Steerprop’s commitment to meeting the specific needs of its clients, showcasing its ability to deliver tailored solutions for the most demanding maritime applications.
