A new US-flagged inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) vessel leverages three different propulsion systems for improved maneuverability and a high free running speed.
The IMR vessel Paul Candies, built in 2018 by Louisiana builder Candies Shipbuilders and owned by its parent company Otto Candies, is equipped with two Combi Drives, two transverse thrusters and one retractable rudderpropeller from manufacturer SCHOTTEL.
Due to two type SCD 560 STP SCHOTTEL Combi Drive azimuth thrusters the diesel-electric vessel reaches a top speed of 14 knots. The 2,600 kW SCD 560 STP features the SCHOTTEL twin propeller concept. By sharing the load between two propellers, this concept increases propulsion efficiency and reduces fuel consumption over single propeller systems, the manufacturer said. Beyond this, two type STT 5 FP bow thrusters (each of 1,050 kW) and one 800 kW type SRP 260 R FP retractable bow thruster ensure precise and high maneuverability in dynamic positioning (DP) mode. The vessel is equipped with a Kongsberg K-POS DP-21 system.
With the SCD L-Drive design principle, the electric motor is integrated vertically into the Rudderpropeller, resulting in a highly efficient variant of the SRP and STP propulsion units. The elimination of the upper gearbox reduces mechanical losses, lowers noise and vibration levels and reduces maintenance requirements. The SCD therefore features a very compact thruster which offers approximately 20 percent space savings compared to Z-Drive installation. This gives additional room for further equipment and fits vessels with limited deck height perfectly.
Otto B. Candies III, Vice Chairman at Otto Candies, said the decision to opt for this propulsion system was based on previous experience.
“We have relied on SCHOTTEL products for many years. Several of our vessels are equipped with propulsion systems from SCHOTTEL – some even with the electric Combi Drive,” he explained. “As a result of the very good performance of the azimuth thrusters and the reduced service and maintenance efforts, we have once again decided in favor of SCHOTTEL’s Combi Drive.”
Otto Candies deploys the MT6020 Marin Teknikk design vessel in the worldwide offshore industry. The 101.25 m long and 20.60 m wide vessel is named after Paul Candies, the long-time President of Otto Candies. Paul Candies joins the other 42 vessels in the Otto Candies fleet.
With the SCD L-Drive design principle, the electric motor is integrated vertically into the Rudderpropeller, resulting in a highly efficient variant of the SRP and STP propulsion units. (Image: SCHOTTEL GmbH)