Finnish manufacturer Steerprop chose maritime trade fair SMM in Hamburg to unveil the expansion of its Steerprop CRP ECO product line with the new, compact and cost-effective Steerprop CRP ECO LM propulsor with integrated vertical permanent magnet (PM) motor.
The LM model is claimed to offer reduced lifetime costs, improved fuel efficiency and low vibration and underwater noise levels, while its compact construction makes installation and maintenance easier and maximises onboard comfort.
Development of the Steerprop CRP ECO LM began in 2015. The manufacturer planned to integrate a vertical electric motor onto the propulsor, to replace the upper gear and separate electric motor. The aim was to combine the hydrodynamic features of Steerprop CRP ECO propulsors with an efficient and compact electric motor to create a highly efficient, extremely compact propulsive unit.
The new model consists of a mechanical azimuth propulsor, an electric motor and a shaft line with flexible couplings. The integrated PM motor, auxiliary electric systems and instrumentation are located inside the vessel hull above the waterline, enabling maximum reliability and easy service access. The compact arrangement also results in saved space inside the hull.
The PM motor does not need a separate base and the LM unit can be retrofitted easily. The shaft line and flexible couplings are inbuilt, so no separate shaft alignment is needed during the installation of the propulsor. The bearing and lubrication systems are integrated with the propulsor and are equipped with standby systems. Propulsor cooling motors and lubrication pumps are controlled by a frequency converter, optimising the auxiliary system’s power usage and enhancing overall propulsive efficiency.
The PM motor has a simple hollow rotor which makes it lighter in weight, while the inbuilt air and water cooling units are easy to connect to the vessel’s water cooling circulation system. The PM motor offers high efficiency through the whole speed range, especially at lower power and speed. These features help to bring Steerprop CRP ECO propulsors to an even higher level of efficiency and compactness in the form of the Steerprop CRP ECO LM concept.
Steerprop has also launched a new generation of ducted azimuth propulsors with an upgraded design and improved technical features.
The company claims that the new generation of Steerprop propulsors offers greater agility and endurance in a compact package, with a lighter-weight construction, cast steel housing and enhanced robustness.
The unit is designed for hydrodynamic optimisation to achieve improved free-running efficiency and fuel economy, with a more slender body, a smaller hub ratio and a new high performance HJ4-nozzle design. The HJ4-nozzle guarantees superior bollard pull and allows optimal nozzle positioning. Traditional sacrificial anodes have been replaced with a new, non flow-disturbing shape cast anode.
The new generation of Steerprop propulsors are available with either electric or hydraulic steering, with direct diesel drive, electric motor drive and the option of a hybrid drive. A shallow draught version is also available, designed especially for confined spaces at the stern. The control system architecture is new, from programmable logic controller to levers, enabling functions such as the collection of data on performance history.
Steerprop propulsors offer various installation methods and have an overhaul time of at least 15 years, which is lengthened by optional condition monitoring. The global Steerprop service network guarantees effective and fast service for all Steerprop propulsors.
Coating enhances thruster performance
ZF Marine Krimpen is applying Subsea Industries’ Ecoshield hard coating to the nozzles and underwater components of its azimuth thruster units supplied to vessels operating in inland waterways.
The Netherlands-based company, a division of Germany’s ZF Group, is using Ecoshield on thrusters supplied to a number of its US-based customers to reduce operational wear and tear in brown waters such as the Mississippi River.
Frank van der Vegt, ZF Marine’s area sales manager for commercial craft thruster systems, explained: “We were looking to improve protection of the thruster’s underwater components against damage due to the debris, sand and silt that is common in shallow draught inland waterways, particularly the Mississippi, as well as preventing damage due to cavitation and corrosion.”
The solution was found in 2015, when ZF approached Subsea Industries to investigate whether its hard coating could protect its thrusters from the effects of abrasive waters.
After a series of patch tests proved successful, ZF Marine began applying the hard coating to all the underwater surfaces of the thruster. Since then, Ecoshield has been applied to the ZF 1,000hp azimuth thrusters that are installed on 12 towboats and pushboats operating in US waters.
“We offer the Ecoshield-coated thruster as an option, but it is a very good solution for increasing the life of thruster installations aboard tugs and pushboats operating in shallow waters,” said Mr van der Vegt. “We see a really big improvement. They are less prone to damage, which reduces maintenance and operational costs. We see these benefits not only with the towboat applications, but also with other applications such as harbour tugs and passenger vessels.”
Manuel Hof, production executive and NACE Inspector at Subsea Industries, said: “We are pleased that ZF Marine’s decision to apply our award-winning Ecoshield hard coating to its thrusters is paying dividends for its customers. The Ecoshield-coated thruster option adds considerable strength to its position as the leading supplier of propulsion systems to the US pushboat market.”
Subsea Industries has more than 400 ship references for Ecoshield on rudders but is seeing a marked increase in its application to thruster tunnels and gearboxes because of the operational savings it brings.
“We are also seeing an increase in interest from original equipment manufacturers,” said Mr Hof. “Ecoshield safeguards propulsion systems and steering gear against cavitation and corrosion damage throughout the vessel’s service life. This can significantly increase the operational life of rudders and thrusters. We have Ecoshield-coated rudders and thrusters that have not needed recoating after more than five years of operating in some of the harshest marine environments.”
Rolls-Royce delivers Damen’s 1,000th azimuth thruster
Rolls-Royce has delivered its 1,000th azimuth thruster to Damen Shipyards Group. This is a milestone achievement in a relationship that spans more than 30 years.
The 1,000th and 1,001st Rolls-Royce US 255 FP type azimuth thrusters, each with a power of 2,525kW, will be installed on a new Damen ASD Tug 2913, meeting customer demand for high bollard pull and cost efficiency.
Damen’s first ASD tug design with Rolls-Royce US azimuth thrusters was delivered in 1993 but the relationship between the two companies goes much further back.
Ronald Lindeman, head of Rolls-Royce Marine sales for Central Europe West, said: “In 1983, before its acquisition by Rolls-Royce, Rauma, Finland-based Aquamaster supplied the first retractable thruster for installation on the anchor handling tug Damen Dragon Fly.
“In 2002 the ASD Tug 2810 design was introduced and is today one of the world’s most popular tug designs. More than 420 Rolls-Royce azimuth thrusters have been delivered to this series.
“The milestone delivery of the 1,000th and 1,001st US units underscores our partnership with Damen, our biggest customer for this type of thruster.”
Aila Lainio, Rolls-Royce marine area sales manager, who has 20 years’ experience at the Rauma thruster plant, said: “You could say that Damen has become part of our life now. Rauma has produced a wide range of azimuth thrusters for Damen’s various tug designs. The ASD [azimuth stern drive] design and the Rolls-Royce US-type azimuth thrusters make a unique combination.”
She added: “We have worked closely in co-operation with Damen over the years to develop the optimum azimuth thruster range for tugs. We have a very creative and talented team in Rauma. Whenever Damen presents new requirements, we accept the challenge of developing solutions that allow us to continue to be Damen’s first choice for propulsion equipment. We continually invest in research and development to optimise thruster performance and environmental efficiency. Ultimately we endeavour to design the best propulsion solution for all of our customers.”
Mr Lindeman added: “We are constantly developing our azimuth thrusters to meet customers’ expectations...Work to transform the facility in Finland is underway and is due for completion in 2020.”
Damen’s 1,000th and 1,001st Rolls-Royce US-type thrusters were delivered at the end of the year for installation in Romania.
ABB expands polar cruise sales with MV Werften
ABB will supply the complete power, propulsion and automation package for a series of new cruise vessels being built by MV Werften for Genting Hong Kong brands Crystal Cruises and Star Cruises.
The three Crystal Cruises luxury Endeavor class megayachts will be built to Polar Class 6 and will enable cruising in the Arctic. They will then follow the route of migrating whales along the coast of the Americas and Europe to Antarctica during the northern winter.
The Star Cruises Global class vessels will be two of the largest on the market with 204,000 grt each. These impressive vessels are specially designed for the Asian cruise market.
The five vessels will all feature a complete ABB propulsion system, electric power plant, automation and a marine software system. The three Crystal Cruises ships will each be powered by two Azipod D units, to enable the ships to navigate polar conditions, while the two new Star Cruises Global class ships will each be installed with three Azipod XO thrusters. All the vessels will also feature ABB’s flagship automation with Intelligent Maneuvering Interface and OCTOPUS marine software for optimised energy management.
Approximately two thirds of modern large cruise ships, ice-breakers and high Ice class cargo vessels are fitted with Azipod propulsion. Cruise ship owners have been using Azipod units for two decades, favouring their increased efficiency, manoeuvrability and space saving properties over shaft line systems.
Marcus Högblom, vice president of global sales, passenger vessels and Azipod propulsion, said: “We are seeing increased interest in the polar regions from the passenger sector, so our expertise in the cruise and ice-going sectors means we are ideally positioned and can fully support our customers with their new projects.”
Delivery of the five vessels is scheduled for 2019 onwards.
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