EcoPellers selected for hybrid-electric ferry order

The ferry’s propulsion system will feature two Schottel Rudder EcoPellers type SRE 430 with an input power of 950 kW each. The azimuth thrusters are ice-strengthened according to Finnish-Swedish Ice Class 1B. This will allow the ferry to be deployed in the coastal waters of Southwest Finland around the year.

Each of the azimuth thrusters will be solely powered by the vessel’s two 0.6MWh batteries while serving its route, with the vessel’s diesel engines serving as a backup source of power. The ferry will be fitted with a 2.35m diameter propeller. The vessel will be charged directly from shore while loading and unloading. 

The vessel will have a capacity for 375 passengers and 90 cars. The ferry is scheduled to enter service in 2023.

The hydrodynamically optimised design allows the EcoPeller to generate maximum steering forces and enables top values in terms of overall efficiency and course stability. This reduces fuel consumption and ensures both lower operating costs and emissions. 

The order deepens Schottel’s existing relationship with FinFerries (Suomen Lauttaliikenne Group) in Finland’s ferry market: FinFerries has selected Schottel propulsion systems for the modernisation of “over five ferries” in its existing fleet. FinFerries operates vessels on 42 routes across Finland, carrying more than 4 million vehicles and 10 million passengers annually.