Norwegian ferries debut Schottel eco-thruster

The SRE is based on Schottel’s combi-drive (SCD) thruster, with a vertical electric motor integrated into the rudder-propeller unit. This eliminates the upper of the two angle gears, boosting the mechanical efficiency by two percent. The compact combination of motor and drive also eases installation.

The SRE EcoPeller is available for power ratings between 1,000-4,500kW, with either fixed or controllable pitch propellers. A full-feathering function, allowing the propeller blades to be moved to a low-resistance position if required, is available optionally with CPP variants. The standard configuration features an asynchronous electric motor, with a permanent-magnet motor available as an option

The EcoPeller also features Schottel’s High Torque Gear (HTG) gearbox technology, which enables bevel gears of the same dimensions to transmit up to 15% more drive torque, with high safety margins. Despite the very high drive torque, it is possible to achieve significantly more streamlined underwater gearbox housings, thereby increasing the hydrodynamic propulsion efficiency.

Christian Strahberger, CEO, Schottel, said: “In addition to the ecological and economical aspects, the product variability of the SRE EcoPeller was of particular importance to us. The earlier we get involved in the design phase of the vessel and tailor the propulsion system and the hull to one another, the greater the overall efficiency of the vessel. It was thus important for us to provide ship designers with propulsion system variants that fit precisely.”