Schottel to supply propulsion system for ULA’s SpaceShip

The vessel, named SpaceShip, will be responsible for transporting Vulcan rockets from ULA’s manufacturing facility in Decatur, Alabama, to launch sites at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Scheduled for delivery in 2026, the 111-metre-long and 25-metre-wide vessel will feature advanced propulsion and electrical systems designed for both riverine and open-sea operations.

The main propulsion system comprises three Schottel RudderPropellers type SRP 460 LE in the embedded L-Drive configuration. Each unit has an input power of 2,100 kW and drives a 2.6-metre diameter propeller. The steerable 360-degree azimuth thrusters will provide excellent manoeuvrability and high directional stability at sea, allowing the vessel to reach speeds of up to 15 knots. The L-Drive design, which incorporates a compact electric motor directly into the thruster’s azimuth module, allows for reduced installation height—a key advantage in confined engine room spaces. The simplified mechanical layout also contributes to lower maintenance requirements and improved energy efficiency.

Further enhancing the vessel’s handling characteristics are two Schottel TransverseThrusters type STT 1, each rated at 373 kW and equipped with a 1.3-metre diameter propeller. These units will assist in port operations and complex positioning scenarios, ensuring precise control during docking and casting-off, even under high-load conditions. Together, the thruster configuration provides exceptional control for safeguarding the ship’s valuable and sensitive cargo.

To streamline control of the propulsion system, Schottel will also supply its MasterStick joystick system. This allows all five thrusters to be managed simultaneously with a single lever, providing intuitive and highly responsive manoeuvring capabilities.

The vessel’s fully electric propulsion system is being engineered and delivered by elkon, a member of the Schottel Group. elkon will provide a comprehensive package including Active Front End (AFE) drive technology, which enhances propulsion efficiency and reduces fuel consumption. The electrical suite also includes advanced main switchboards, a Power Management System (PMS), and an Alarm Control and Monitoring System (ACMS), ensuring operational reliability through intelligent energy distribution and real-time fault diagnostics. Complementing these systems are integrated Motor Control Centres (MCCs), Power Distribution Panels, and customised bridge and engine room control consoles. All components are being delivered in accordance with current classification society standards and maritime electrical guidelines.

The propulsion and electrical systems on board SpaceShip are the result of close collaboration between Schottel and elkon. Their long-standing partnership enables aligned mechanical and electrical designs, delivering optimised performance and cost efficiency.