A new bitumen tanker for the French Rubis Group, which is currently being built at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, will be equipped with rudder propellers from the German propulsion experts. The 15,000 dwt bitumen tanker is powered by two highly efficient SCHOTTEL EcoPellers and a TransverseThruster. The ship designed by the Swedish FKAB Marine will be used for bitumen transport in West Africa.
All-round controllable drives from SCHOTTEL
The main drive of the ship consists of two SCHOTTEL EcoPellers type SRE 560 (2,050 kW each), which have fixed propellers with a diameter of 3.1 meters. With this configuration, the 145.8 meter long and 26.2 meter wide ship reaches a maximum speed of 13.55 knots designed draft. In addition, a SCHOTTEL TransverseThruster Type STT 2 (600 kW) ensures maximum maneuverability.
Highly efficient, sustainable, versatile
Thanks to the particularly effective combination of powerful propeller thrust and course stabilizing fin, the SCHOTTEL EcoPeller meets all the requirements of a modern high-performance drive. Thanks to the hydrodynamically optimized design, the SRE generates maximum steering forces and enables top values in terms of overall efficiency and course stability. This reduces fuel consumption and ensures lower operating costs and lower emissions.
Model tests to confirm the increased efficiency
Model tests by the maritime consultancy SSPA Sweden confirm the outstanding performance of the EcoPeller: Compared to a conventional rudder propeller with a nozzle, it showed a remarkable increase in propulsion efficiency of 17% at a ship speed of 12.5 knots during the entire test.
In order to achieve the maximum speed of 13.55 knots at the design draft, the SRE requires 11% less propulsion power than a conventional rudder propeller with a nozzle.