Road ferries will be equipped with two Schottel Twin Propellers and a pair of electric motors
By
Richard Humphreys |
German propulsion manufacturer Schottel will provide Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania with propulsion units for four newly built vessels ordered by Canadian operator BC Ferries.
Each of the 81-metre-long road ferries will be equipped with two high-efficiency Schottel Twin Propellers (STP). These vessels – built to Damen’s Road Ferry 8117 E3 design and known as Island Class ships – will be able to carry up to 300 passengers and crew, as well as 47 vehicles.
“We’ve had positive experiences with Schottel azimuth thrusters in our Salish Class ferries and opted for the German manufacturer for our Island Class as well,” said Jamie Marshall, vice president of business development and innovation at BC Ferries. “The propulsion system is efficient, quiet and sustainable, and a good fit for our Island Class ferries.”
Each ferry consists of a pair of electric motors – each rated 950 kilowatts at 1,700 revolutions per minute rpm and driving the STP 340 azimuthing thrusters. Provided with a propeller diameter of 1.85 metres, the STP enables a free-sailing speed of 14 knots.