• Schottel has been awarded a significant contract by ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group to supply rudderpropellers for a news sries of twenty RAster 2800 tugs, which will be built in Elefsina shipyard, Greece. The order includes the delivery of a total of of forty azimuth thrusters, as each of the ASD tugs will be fitted with two S. This collaboration follows ONEX’s exclusive license agreement with Canadian naval architect Robert Allan Ltd., granting ONEX the rights to construct tugs based on the RAstar 2800 design.

SCHOTTEL thrusters deliver “outstanding performance and high energy efficiency”

“At ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group, our commitment to building innovative and high-quality vessels is non-negotiable. One of the most critical decisions for the success of our tugboat newbuilding is the selection of the best and most reliable propulsion system. For this reason, we selected SCHOTTEL to supply the thrusters and shafts for our RAstar 2800 production line,” says Christos Grigoropoulos, Purchasing Lead Manager at ONEX. “SCHOTTEL has a long and proven history of developing and producing innovative propulsion systems that deliver outstanding performance and high energy efficiency, even in the most demanding conditions. Our partnership with SCHOTTEL ensures that our tugs will have top operational capabilities, with improved operational performance and reduced operating costs, making them ideal for the most demanding maritime operations.”

SCHOTTEL SRP for high escort performance

The RAstar 2800 equipped with a Fire Fighting 1 (FIFI) system is renowned for its outstanding escort capabilities, deriving from its unique sponsoned hull form that enhances towing and seakeeping. Its capability for operations both in rough and calm sea conditions along with its compliance with ATEX Zone 2 standards makes it capable and ideal for LNG/LPG terminals and any other exposed and non-exposed operating environments worldwide. To optimally support the series’ performance characteristics, SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers type SRP 490 FP have been selected for the propulsion system: The 360-degree steerable SRP combines maximum manoeuvrability and bollard pull with a compact and robust thruster design, that keeps maintenance requirements to a minimum and ensures a long service life. SCHOTTEL DuroVario LS slipping clutches will enable smooth acceleration and improved thruster handling, also during fire fighting. Each SRP will be driven by a MAN 16V175D-MM diesel engine with a power of 2560 kW at 1800 rpm. With this configuration, the vessels are expected to achieve a minimum free sailing speed of up to 12.5 knots and a high bollard pull of 85 tonnes.

Best free sailing efficiency and corrosion protection

The SRPs will also feature the high-performance nozzle SDV45 which has been proven to offer higher efficiency at open-water speed combined with very good bollard pull values. In addition, SCHOTTEL’s ProAnode enhances corrosion protection and extends the life cycle of the thrusters. This collaboration is a significant step in the regeneration and transformation of the Greek shipbuilding industry, introducing innovative technologies and contemporary shipbuilding procedures with the aim of providing state-of-the-art tugs for the modernization of fleets in Greece and abroad.