First SSP order for Siemens/Schottel

The Siemens/Schottle consortium has secured the first order for its SSP azimuthing podded drive. The SSP uses a permanently excited magnet motor that does not require air cooling and is said to be up to 40 per cent smaller than other podded drive systems.

With a propeller at either end of the pod (one pushing, one pulling) rotating in the same direction and fins on the pod body, the system Siemens claims the package is up to 12 per cent more efficient than its competitors. Also, as there is no need for air cooling, installation is said to be easier.

Shanghai Edward shipyard has ordered a 5.1MW (7,000 bhp) ice-classed unit to provide propulsion for a 19,500 dwt chemical tanker it will build for Swedish owner Rederi AB Donsotank. Delivery of the ship is scheduled for April 2000 and will operate in the Baltic.