KM propulsion package for Italian specialised vessel

In addition to the pair of Kongsberg Elegance PM motor driven pods, the scope of the package for the SDO-SuRS (Special and Diving Operations – Submarine Rescue Ship) includes three tunnel thrusters and a Kongsberg electric power system, including batteries and power management system. Additionally, the order includes the Mcon propulsion control system, DP3 (Dynamic Positioning) system, and single and multibeam echo sounders.

Kongsberg Maritime notes that the permanent magnet electric motor driven propulsors provide optimal efficiency over a large speed range, combined with an excellent hydrodynamic design developed in Kongsberg’s Hydrodynamic Research Centre.

The compactly designed pods have a low oil content and double barrier seal solution, to protect the ocean, while offering vessels the ability to operate in fully electric zero emissions mode in port or for limited offshore operations.

Kongsberg Maritime is understood to be in discussions around Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for the vessels.

The 120m vessel will replace Nave Anteo, which has now reached the end of its operating life after over forty-five years of use. While the new ship fulfils the need for a specialised unit for the search and rescue of damaged submarines, it will also offer support to a wide spectrum of military and civil underwater activities, and special operations.

“This contract represents the start of an exciting market development for the Elegance pod propulsion systems,” says Ottar Ristesund, SVP sales, Kongsberg Maritime. “The quiet, efficient operation of these traction propeller equipped units aboard the SDO-SuRS vessel will help show the naval shipbuilding industry that the way ahead is with permanent magnet pod propulsors. Not only do they offer the end user an efficient, noiseless, carbon-reducing future-proof propulsion platform, shipyards love them too as the units utilize simple interfaces that allow safe and easy fitting to the hull”.

Trond Jakobsen Senior Vice President Integrated Solutions Sales added: “It’s a great honour to be working with T.Mariotti shipyard on the SDO-SuRS project. Kongsberg Maritme and T.Mariotti have a long-standing relationship going back many years, particularly concerning Kongsberg’s supply of propulsion equipment and associated control systems for ferries and cruise liners. It’s doubly pleasing to mention that this contract has further opportunities associated with it which could come into fruition in 2023.”