SCHOTTEL, a renowned and reliable supplier of propulsion and steering systems for ships, will equip a methanol bunker vessel that will sail between several ports in the Mediterranean region with two SCHOTTEL Rudder Propellers type SRP 360 and one SCHOTTEL Transverse Thruster type STT 1. The San Giorgio del Porto SG 116 will have a length of 91.3 metres and a breadth of 15.7 metres, with a carrying capacity of 3,400 dwt.
The vessel owner is an Italian company based in Genoa that specializes in new green technologies. The ship is currently under construction at San Giorgio del Porto Shipyards in Italy. Italian-based K-Ships designed the vessel and collaborated with the shipyard on the project.
Outstanding Manoeuvring Capabilities for Handling of Hazardous Goods
The methanol bunker vessel’s propulsion system consists of two SRP 360 units in the embedded L-Drive variant, with an input power of 1,200 kilowatts each and a propeller diameter of 2.1 metres. With these propulsion units, the vessel will achieve a maximum speed of 12.5 knots. The 360-degree steerable SRP offers outstanding manoeuvrability and course stability during free sailing, due to the provision of thrust in any direction.
The vessel will also feature an STT 1 with an input power of 400 kilowatts and a propeller diameter of 1.2 meters as an auxiliary propulsion system, which will further enhance the vessel’s manoeuvring performance. With this full propulsion package, the methanol bunker vessel will have unparalleled manoeuvring capabilities, which is particularly crucial for the handling of hazardous goods such as methanol.
Combination of Compact Design and High Efficiency
The embedded L-Drive variant of the SCHOTTEL RudderPropeller features a compact electric motor, embedded in the support structure of the thruster’s azimuth module, thereby reducing the overall height of the thruster. These space-saving propulsion units are particularly suitable for installation in confined spaces or in environments where other machinery already requires a lot of space.
The electric motors of the SRP units require less space in the engine room, as the horizontal drive shaft to the motor is no longer required. Due to the additional elimination of an upper gearbox in the L-Drive design, the power is transmitted efficiently from the motor to the propeller. This combination of compact design and high efficiency makes the SRP ideally suited for the requirements of the bunker vessel.
Important Contribution to Security of Supply in the Mediterranean
The construction of the new methanol bunker vessel is expected to be completed in 2025. Methanol is one of the most important alternative fuels today. The development of an infrastructure for the transport and storage of methanol is a global challenge. With the bunker vessel, the Genoese owner will make an important contribution to the security of supply in the Mediterranean.
About SCHOTTEL
The SCHOTTEL Group, with its headquarters in Spay/Rhine, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of steerable propulsion systems for ships and offshore applications. Founded in 1921, the company has been developing and manufacturing azimuth propulsion and complete propulsion systems with power ratings of up to 30 MW for vessels of all sizes and types for more than 70 years. Around 100 sales and service locations worldwide ensure customer proximity. High product quality and a real commitment to local presence are the hallmarks of our success. A long tradition forms a major part of our corporate culture.
With a high level of investment in research and development, we optimize our existing products and implement innovative system solutions. The goal of these activities is to improve still further the efficiency and reliability of all our propulsion and manoeuvring systems – for the benefit of our customers. Thanks to close cooperation with shipowners, yards, consultants, and internationally renowned independent research establishments, we have been able to achieve this goal consistently.
Source SCHOTTEL