Schottel EcoPellers selected for Norled Ro-Pax order

The propulsion system of the ferries consists of two Schottel Rudder EcoPellers type SRE 270 with an input power of 810 kW each. Each of the azimuth thrusters will be driven by two bio-diesel engines via a a twin-in-single-out gearbox. The vessels’ service speed will be 11.5 knots. The double-ended ferries will be fitted with one fixed pitch propeller diameter of 1.85m at each end.

The vessels will have capacity for 199 passengers and 60 cars, and have been assigned to the Finnoysambandet route north of Stavanger. The ferries are scheduled to be delivered during the first quarter of 2021.

With medium-sized azimuth thrusters such as the SRE 270, Schottel expects to meet new challenges on the international maritime market. These include shifted engine power classes, new ice class rules and the growing trend towards electrically or hybrid driven vessels.

The Motorship has previously reported here one of the two double-enders is also expected to be subsequently modified to run on hydrogen. The orders builds on Schottel’s strong position in the Norwegian ferry market: Schottel previously announced in December that it would provide EcoPellers for Norled’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered ferry here.