Siemens to sign SSP deal

The Siemens Schottle Consortuim is poised to sign a deal to supply its propulsor to Guangzhou Shipyard International to drive a pair of semi-submersible heavy lift vessels ordered by Cosco. Each of the 18,000 dwt/156m loa vessels will have two SSP5s with a full power rating of 4.7MW (6,390 bhp) which, at 90 per cent MCR will give a fully laden service speed of 15 knots.

Electricity will be generated by three Wartsila NSD 9W32 engines rated at 4050kW (5,500 bhp). This will allow the vessel to be operated at the most fuel-efficient level under a range of loading and speed conditions.

In addition each ship will have twin 800kW (1,090 bhp) bow thrusters for improved manoeuvrability. They will be the only vessels of their type equipped with twin azimuthing thrusters and fully redundant class 2 dynamic positioning.