Thrusters for Italian-built ferry

Steerprop will deliver two SP 120 ECO CRP propulsors, each rated for 7,000kW and built to Finnish-Swedish 1 A Super ice-class. The propulsors are designed for high efficiency, and thus low fuel consumption and emissions, with dual-end contra rotating propellers.

The company says this is its most powerful passenger vessel main propulsion order to date. The ferry represents a new development for STQ, being larger and faster than its predecessor, but more efficient and environmentally friendly through use of innovative technical measures to improve total efficiency. Some of this efficiency gain comes from the propulsion system used. The vessel, ice-classed by Lloyd’s Register in the Finnish-Swedish 1 A ice-class will operate year round in St. Lawrence Bay in Canada starting in late 2014.

“We are proud to be a part of this important project that combines cutting edges technology with environmentally friendly solutions. The propulsors contracted to the vessel are one of the results of an important, on-going process of Research and Development into high speed and high efficiency propulsion systems here at Steerprop Ltd.”, stated Petri Tolonen, Steerprop vice-president for sales and marketing.

“This contract represents an important step into the cruise vessel industry. This will be our first delivery to the Fincantieri shipyards.” Mr Tolonen continued. “The usage of CRP allows the combination of outstanding manoeuvrability, high speeds and high efficiency at high power ratings – thus enabling large vessels such as passenger vessels to operate at fast speeds without compromising their fuel-efficiency or environmental friendliness.”