Schottel propulsors for new H2-fuelled CSOVs

The three vessels in the Elevation Series are being built at Damen’s Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam. The contract includes an option for a further three CSOVs. The first CSOV will launch in 2025 and will be used by wind turbine technicians performing commissioning and maintenance work on offshore wind turbines.

The propulsion system comprises four Schottel RudderPropellers type SRP 430 D (1,780 kW each), featuring fixed pitch propellers with a diameter of 2.50 metres. The azimuth thrusters will be driven by diesel-electric systems to fulfil strictest emission requirements. The vessels will be powered by hydrogen and use a DP-2 control system.

They will be arranged in Damen’s DPX-Drive configuration at the bow and stern starboard and port side, eliminating the need for other types of thruster. Besides greatly reduced propeller acceleration/deceleration times and a high-speed azimuth steering system, the SRP-D additionally features a compact design with an integrated prime mover (“Embedded L-Drive”) and an eight-degree tilted propeller shaft, resulting in less thruster-thruster and thruster-hull interaction.

The Elevation Series CSOV design has been developed via extensive cooperation between Damen, Windcat and CMB (Compagnie Maritime Belge). 

“The Elevation Series will lead the sector in exploring hydrogen as a fuel while delivering best-in-class performance and flexibility. It will set new standards in terms of comfort for crews and passengers. The SRP-D is a perfect match because it will also save fuel thanks to its minimized DP footprint and increase the number of working days at sea by up to five days per year,” states Willem van der Wel, Windcat’s Managing Director.