Propulsion ordered for newbuild US escort tugs

Saltchuk Marine has selected propulsion systems for a fleet of escort tugs being built in the US as part of its expansive fleet renewal strategy. 

Spay, Germany-headquartered Schottel has secured a contract to supply azimuth thrusters for the four tugboats under construction at Eastern Shipbuilding in Panama City, US. It will supply two RudderPropellers of type SRP 510 for each of these tugs being built to Robert Allan Ltd’s RApport 2600 design.  

Z-drives will have a propeller diameter of 2,800 mm and an input power of 2,610 kW, which will be provided by Caterpillar 3516E engines. The thrusters will enable the tugs to operate with a bollard pull of more than 85 tonnes and a service speed of 12 knots. 

Schottel’s LeaCon, a seal monitoring system certified by DNV, will prevent lubrication oil from being spilled into the water and water from entering the gearbox – cutting the need for an oil-to-water interface for the propeller shaft seal. 

SRP 510 thrusters will have Schottel’s MariHub for condition monitoring, onboard display and remote analysis for condition-based maintenance. 

“The maritime industry is experiencing a renaissance in vessel innovation,” said Saltchuk Marine chief executive Jason Childs. “Schottel propulsion systems enhance safety and performance in alignment with our vision for the next generation of tugs.” 

Saltchuk is renewing its fleet for operations on the US West Coast, Hawaii and Alaska. 

Tugs are being built at Eastern Shipbuilding’s Allanton and Port St Joe facilities and are scheduled for delivery in 2026. These 26-m vessels, with a beam of 13 m and a draught of around 5 m, will be operated by Foss Maritime in California.  

Exhaust aftertreatment modules will be installed to enable them to comply with US EPA Tier 4 and California Air Resources Board environmental requirements.