Tough propulsion gearbox for polar vessel

The Hondius vessel being built by the shipyard Brodosplit is the first vessel in the world to be built according to the class “LR PC6” meeting the latest and highest demands of Lloyd’s Register for “polar class 6”.

During the design stage of the vessel that it became clear to all parties involved, including the drivetrain provider Schottel, that the design criteria had to be altered considerably to meet the regulations.

Gearbox design

The main engine had to be capable of being started and running the propeller with the CP in full pitch and the propulsion gearbox had to also take this into account.

Keller’s basic concept consists of a gearbox driven by two diesel engines of 2,130 kW each and one output shaft, to drive the propeller.

Above the portside drive shaft is a secondary PTO shaft to drive a generator. On each input drive is one hydraulic multi-plate clutch, so it is possible to drive the gearbox with one of the both diesel engines or with two diesel engines together.

The thrust bearing had to be designed considering different loads. Furthermore, it has a special design to absorb the high axial thrust which comes from the ice cutting process of the propeller.

Lastly, the gearbox has been designed with a high efficiency and low sound emissions.

Hondius is due to go into operation in March 2019.