Propulsion has been selected for a series of hybrid gas-fuelled harbour tugs planned to be built in Singapore
Sembcorp Marine will build the world’s first hybrid LNG-fuelled tug fleet to replace its existing diesel-powered tugs. It has chosen Schottel to supply its azimuth hybrid drives for the first tug of this new series, with expectations for orders for the rest of the newbuilding series.
Sembcorp’s fleet building plans are the largest in number to date for hybrid and gas-fuelled harbour service vessels. It is seen as a massive step in reducing emissions from harbour operations.
These harbour tugs were designed by Sembcorp’s subsidiary LMG Marin.
Schottel said it will supply its Sydrive-E for the world’s first hybrid LNG tug, supporting Sembcorp’s environmental protection efforts. They will be engineered and manufactured in Germany ready for delivery in H2 2021.
These are hybridised Schottel RudderPropellers type SRP 430. Sydrive-E will have a power intake capacity of about 2,000 kW each fed by electrical motors powered by onboard batteries or low-emissions LNG main engines.
These “360° steerable SRPs combine maximum manoeuvrability and a high bollard pull as harbour operations require” said Schottel.
“The LNG-fuelled main engines and the electrical motors are both coupled to the Sydrive system and always operate efficiently within their optimal load ranges, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions.”
Sembcorp said its subsidiary Jurong Marine Services will operate these tugs in Singapore’s harbours, with the first in operation from Q4 2021.
This world-first comes as Schottel celebrates its centenary.
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