Schottel has supplied the propulsion system for Nairana, an all-aluminium ferry operated by Australian ferry owner and operator Sealink Tasmania
The ferry is fitted with four Schottel rudderpropellers type SRP 100 (200-kW) and the azimuth thrusters, driven by diesel engines, rotate 360° allowing for easier manoeuvring and high course stability on the open sea with strong side winds.
Schottel said maximum propulsion efficiency is ensured with four rudder propellers delivering thrust in the direction of travel. The thrusters are resiliently mounted to enhance passenger comfort and reduce noise emissions and can be exchanged while the vessel is afloat.
The 44.9 m by 13.6 m ferry is double-ended and has two wheelhouses. When required, the vessel can operate on two propulsion units during off-peak periods which Schottel says can help in cutting operating costs.
RDM’s sales and marketing manager Roger Janes said “The brief was to provide two unique, new vessels that are highly manoeuvrable to facilitate rapid turnaround times, have multiple engines for redundancy, and are economical. Overall, they needed to be uncomplicated and reliable.”
Nairana’s novelty lies in its aluminium build. RDM said that this reduces the vessel’s weight and allows it to travel longer distances while maintaining manoeuvrability and reducing fuel usage.
Sealink secured a 10-year contract to operate the Ro-Pax service that forms a road link between Kettering, located 35 km south of Hobart, and Bruny Island. Nairana has a total capacity of 36 cars and 192 passengers and runs at 12 knots.
Australian shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine (RDM) recently handed over the Incat Crowther designed vessel to Sealink Tasmania. A structurally identical sister ship is currently under construction at RDM.
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