By
Amber Hickman |
Norwegian ferry operator Torghatten Trafikkselskap has recorded a 25 per cent drop in energy consumption onboard a double-ended ro-pax ferry after installing two Schottel EcoPeller (SRE) propulsion systems in 2020.
Powered by an electric drive, the SREs have a hydrodynamically optimised design that enables them to produce maximum steering forces and improve a vessel’s overall efficiency and course-keeping ability. This reduces fuel consumption, operating costs and emissions.
The SREs also feature the DNV-approved Schottel LeaCon sealing monitoring system, which provides protection against seawater contamination caused by operating materials. Separate seals ensure that both the seawater coming in and the gear oil going out of the system are collected in an intermediate chamber. LeaCon is also used to monitor the condition of the seals, so operational wear can be detected at an early stage.
“We opted for the SRE’s because we were convinced that they best met our requirements and would support us on our way to an eco-friendly future,” said Gunnar Heringbotn, technical manager at Torghatten Trafikkselskap. “Today we know this decision was exactly the right one: with the help of Schottel's customised retrofit concept, we are saving up to 25 per cent energy.”