PROPULSION UPDATE New Generation Of Propulsors Chosen For New Ferries
Aquamaster-Rauma of Finland has secured an order for eight 3,000-kW Contaz propulsors, to be fitted to a pair of train/car ferries recently ordered by DSB Rederi AS in Denmark. The order is viewed as a milestone by Aquamaster- Rauma, as it is an important step in establishing its propulsion system as a well-known brand.
The double-ended "drive though" passenger/car and railway ferries are built for service around the clock on the ferry route between R0dby in Denmark and Puttgarden in Germany. The ships will be built for DSB Rederi AS by 0rskov Staalskibsvaerft, Denmark, and are scheduled to be delivered in May and October 1997. The electrically driven propulsors are powered by ABB's Sami Megastar technology.
The propulsion system is designed for quick maneuvering and operation in all weather conditions. The normal service speed will be 16.5 knots, providing a crossing time of 44 minutes. The maximum service speed of 18.5 knots will provide a 39-minute crossing time.
The Contaz propulsors will be fitted at the sides of each end of the ship, making it possible to obtain an optimum hull form and to fit a specially designed bulbous bow at each end. Based on the model tests, this concept, together with the high efficiency of contra-rotating propellers, is expected to exceed savings as much as 20 percent in fuel consumption compared with a conventional design. An additional benefit is that the building costs of the ship can be reduced with lower power and noise insulation demand. The design is based on contra-rotating propeller technology, which is known for high propeller efficiency, as well as a low noise and vibration level. The Contaz propulsors are designed with a streamlined body form to allow higher speed than traditional thrusters.
The first new generation Contaz units were delivered at the beginning of the year for a Norwegian platform supply vessel to be supplied to DOF Management by Brattvaag Shipyard next summer. The vessel features a pair of 2,200-kW Contaz units.
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