Schottel will undertake a customised upgrade for Norwegian firm Bio Feeder’s bulk carrier Kryssholm, allowing the vessel to take on new assignments
Two retractable rudder propellers type SRP 130 R (300 kW each) and two transverse thrusters type STT 1 (450 kW each) will be installed in addition to the existing main propulsion system of the vessel. This will maximise the vessel’s manoeuvrability capabilities and increase its position stability. This will extend the vessel’s operation profiles allowing it to be used for a wider variety of future tasks.
The propulsion units will be driven by electric motors powered by a hybrid grid of batteries and generators to cut down on the environmental impact. By equipping the vessel with a state-of-the-art power management system, the required electric power is provided on demand according to operational needs.
Schottel said a small installation effort carried out by the company’s modernisation and conversion team will yield great advantages, such as increased manoeuvrability and a lower environmental impact.
Bio Feeder general manager Nils Tore Øpstad Melingen said Schottel’s status as an OEM was a “decisive factor” in choosing the company to upgrade the propulsion system as it ensures spare parts and service supply. “We are absolutely satisfied with the performance of the Schottel thrusters in our other vessel and thus decided to order the same way again.”
Beyond providing fish feed, Kryssholm will continue to provide general cargo service and Bio Feeder said the vessel is the first in the world fit for such a hybrid operation. It sails under the Norwegian flag and will be classified by RINA.
RINA marine commercial senior director Pino Spadafora said “RINA will review the proposed solutions, approve the design, certify the components and the commissioning on board, applying expertise in energy optimisation and competence in environmentally sustainable applications.”
Built in 2011, 89.9 m by 13.6 m Kryssholm will be operated as a fish feed vessel six months a year; for the remainder it is charted to Wagle Chartering to transport general cargo. The vessel boasts a cargo capacity of more than 3,000 tonnes and is scheduled to be completed in Q1 2021.
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