DMC wins LPD steering equipment deal

The LPDs are being constructed for the Escotillón IV project at the state-owned Astilleros y Maestranzas de la Armada (ASMAR) shipyard. The 110m vessels will be used to boost Chile’s defence capabilities as well as performing humanitarian operations.

“These vessels will perform an important role in Chile,” said DMC’s sales and marketing director, Wim Knoester.

“The equipment we are supplying to the project will enable them to fulfil their duties with increased efficiency, optimised performance and reduced underwater noise, greatly improving the sustainability of their operations.”

Scope of the supply comprises DMC’s Commander piston type steering system, and two Atlantic rudders including Silent Bulbs. The Silent Bulb is a fuel saving device designed to reduce the risk of cavitation on the rudder by lowering flow losses from the propeller. It also reportedly increases propeller thrust, enabling the vessel to sail at the required speed with less power output.

“DMC’s energy efficient rudders are combined with the vessels’ high efficiency propeller and fairing caps,” said Simon Riddle, general manager, Marine Solutions/Navy at Wärtsilä.

“With the addition of the Silent Bulb to the rudders, testing has demonstrated that required power values are reduced by 3 to 4 per cent for the desired sailing speed. This offers a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 1.5 per cent, offering considerably increased efficiency during operations.”