SCHOTTEL Rudder EcoPeller SRE for open sea and coastal operating conditions

Since its introduction to the market a mere three years ago, the SCHOTTEL azimuth Rudder EcoPeller SRE has delivered on a wide range of different applications for open sea and coastal operating conditions. In doing so, it has both shored up the ferry segment and moved far beyond it. In the ferry market, the SRE demonstrates its highly efficient and ecologically clean propulsion while also meeting the strict environmental regulations of the Norwegian market. As a result, SCHOTTEL has achieved a top market position there by providing propulsion systems for 16 ferries in various power ratings. Some of these systems are even equipped with a full-feathering function as a special feature for optimized propulsion efficiency to minimize drag in a flow position, the Company says in its press release.

Beyond ferries, the SRE has successfully entered the merchant vessel segment. Here, a plan for a Chinese oil tanker recently turned into an order for a propulsion package, complete with a SCHOTTEL Transverse Thruster. At the same time, the SRE’s wide range of applications has earned an order for an ice-going beacon vessel that will handle multiple tasks in the Asian offshore business. The SRE is now garnering increasing attention in navy & governmental applications, too, and is outperforming other propulsion systems on the market in terms of overall performance.

Investments in Research& Development pay off

The SRE combines proven SCHOTTEL quality and technology with the latest hydrodynamic insights from CFD simulations and model tests. It is the first pulling azimuth thruster systematically designed as a high-torque L-Drive layout, thereby eliminating the upper gear inside the vessel.

The advantages over a Z-Drive layout are a 3% gain in mechanical efficiency and a high degree of comfort thanks to extremely low vibration and low noise levels. At the same time, the EcoPeller’s uniquely customized strut versions enhance overall vessel efficiency through the potential of thruster-hull optimizations.

Beyond this, the integrated High-Torque-Gear (HTG®) technology provides enhanced durability and uptime of the thruster, while the LEACON sealing system guarantees utmost oil-to-water-interface protection.

Optimal integration into every hull

The SRE offers ship designers maximum installation options. Its integration capability allows all propulsion system components to be produced in customized lengths, thereby enabling optimal hydrodynamic integration into hulls of virtually every shape and size. This same unlimited flexibility is possible with any preferred set of motors.

High degree of functionality in different applications and vessel types

The SRE is available in various sizes for power ratings between 300 kW and 4,500 kW. The propeller types available are FP (Fixed Pitch) and CP (Controllable Pitch). One option with the CP propeller is the full-feathering function which allows the propeller blades to be moved to a low-resistance position if required. In this way, individual propulsion units can be shut down completely while generating minimal resistance.