(SPAY, Germany) — Paul Candies, a new inspection maintenance repair (IMR) vessel built by Candies Shipbuilders and owned by its parent company Otto Candies LLC, is equipped with three different Schottel propulsion systems. Its two Combi Drives, two transverse thrusters and one retractable rudder-propeller ensure maximum maneuverability and a high free running speed for the U.S.-flagged IMR vessel.
Due to two type SCD 560 STP Schottel Combi Drive azimuth thrusters, the diesel-electric vessel reaches a 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. 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 DP mode.
“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,” said Otto B. Candies III, vice chairman at Otto Candies LLC. “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 LLC deploys the MT6020 Marin Teknikk design vessel in the worldwide offshore industry. The 332-foot-long and 68-foot-wide vessel is named after Paul Candies, the longtime president of Otto Candies LLC. Paul Candies joins the other 42 vessels in the Otto Candies LLC fleet.
With the SCD L-Drive design principle, the electric motor is integrated vertically into the rudder-propeller, resulting in a highly efficient variant of the SRP and STP propulsion units. The elimination of the upper gearbox has numerous advantages such as reduced mechanical losses, low noise and vibration levels as well as fewer 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.
For more information, visit www.schottel.de.