Propeller manufacturer Schottel is supplying its EcoPeller rudderpropeller for four hybrid ferries for Norwegian ferry operator Norled, the first of which – Festøya – has recently entered operation
Each of the four double-ended ropax ferries built at Remontowa shipyard in Poland feature two EcoPellers type SRE 340 powered by a diesel-electric hybrid system, and operated by green battery power during transit.
The main propulsion for the LMG 120-DEH design vessels consists of electrically driven EcoPellers type SRE 340 with 2.1-m diameter fixed-pitch propellers. These thrusters allow economical operation of the newly built vessels at a service speed of 10 knots and a free running speed of 12.5 knots.
EcoPellers are a propulsion system primarily developed for open seas and coastal operating conditions; the propulsion units are designed to provide full thrust even with strong side winds.
The vessel’s azimuth thruster will contribute to the ship’s decreased fuel consumption, resulting in lower operating costs and emissions.
In operating mode, power is supplied by two rechargeable battery packs installed on board. A shore charging system, which also includes an automatic mooring system, will recharge these batteries from the mains when the vessels are docked. The vessels only use generators, run on 100% biodiesel, in an emergency. Schottel said this will further strengthen the company’s position in the Norwegian market. The company had previously installed the EcoPeller in a retrofit project for Norwegian ferry operator Torghatten Trafikkselskap.
Two 114.4 m by 17.7 m Norled ferries will service the Festøya-Solavågen route and are capable of taking on board up to 120 cars and 296 passengers. The other two vessels, carrying a maximum of 395 passengers, will operate the Mannheller-Fodnes route.
The series is set to be completed in 2020.
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