SCHOTTEL GmbH
SCHOTTEL GmbH is a prominent German company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of advanced propulsion and steering systems for ships and offshore applications. Established in 1921 by Josef Becker, who is credited with inventing the rudder propeller (known as the "Becker Propeller"), SCHOTTEL has grown into one of the leading global players in maritime propulsion technology. The company is headquartered in Spay am Rhein, Germany.
Key Areas of Operation:
Propulsion Systems:
- Rudderpropellers (SRP): This is SCHOTTEL's flagship product, offering highly efficient maneuverability and thrust.
- Transverse Thrusters: These are used for lateral maneuvering and station-keeping operations.
- Pump-Jet Propulsion: Ideal for shallow waters and minimizing underwater noise.
Steering Systems:
- The company offers a comprehensive range of steering solutions that optimize vessel control and maneuverability.
Services:
- Consultancy and Engineering: SCHOTTEL provides tailored solutions to meet specific maritime needs.
- Maintenance and Repair: The company has a global network to offer aftermarket services and support.
- Digital Solutions: They offer cutting-edge digital tools for monitoring and optimizing propulsion systems.
Applications:
SCHOTTEL's products are used across a wide range of vessels, including but not limited to:
- Tugboats
- Ferries
- Offshore supply vessels
- Yachts
- Naval ships
- Research vessels
Sustainability:
SCHOTTEL is committed to sustainable maritime solutions. The company focuses on enhancing fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and incorporating eco-friendly technologies into their propulsion systems to meet stringent environmental regulations.
Global Reach:
With a worldwide network of service and sales subsidiaries, SCHOTTEL ensures localized support and maintenance for its global customer base. The company's extensive service network ensures high availability and swift support, contributing to the reliability and longevity of its marine solutions.
Innovation and R&D:
SCHOTTEL invests heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of maritime technology. Their innovations are aimed at enhancing the efficiency, performance, and reliability of marine propulsion systems.
Summary:
SCHOTTEL GmbH is a critical player in the maritime industry, known for their pioneering propulsion and steering systems that enhance the efficiency, maneuverability, and sustainability of various marine vessels. With nearly a century of experience, the company continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving demands of the marine industry.
SCHOTTEL Rudderpropellers in single and twin propeller version, Navigators, Combi-Drives, Pump-Jets, Transverse Thrusters, Controllable-Pitch Propellers
- Phone: +49-2628-610
- Web: www.schottel.com
- Fax: +49-2628-61300
Locations
Schottel News
SCHOTTEL to Supply Propellers for Chinese LNG Bunkering Vessels
German marine propulsion manufacturer SCHOTTEL has been selected to supply rudder propellers for two liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessels being built for Shanghai International Port Group in China.The vessels, each with a loading capacity of 20,000 cubic meters, are under construction at Jiangnan Shipyard and are scheduled for delivery in April 2027.SCHOTTEL said the ships will each be equipped…
Silverback Truckable Tug Commissioned
Silverback Marine has completed seatrials and commissioning of the OX series, twin Z-Drive equipped truckable tug earlier this month.The concept was designed to fulfill the vision of a truly tow-capable, tractor tug style vessel to the non subchapter M market. Traditional truckable tugs, driven by prop and rudder, are suited strictly for pushing, with limited maneuverability. The OX tug however, introduces a 25 x16 hull form with true tractor-tug lines…
SCHOTTEL to Provide Propulsion for Northern Lighthouse Board’s New Vessel
SCHOTTEL has been chosen by Spanish shipyard GONDAN to provide the propulsion package for the Northern Lighthouse Board’s (NLB) newest vessel, POLE STAR. The ship was officially named on January 21, 2026 by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board.Designed to maintain and service lighthouses, buoys, and other marine aids to navigation, POLE STAR requires high maneuverability supported by reliable propulsion.
Largest Self-Propelled Hopper Dredger in US History Delivered
Seatrium delivered FREDERICK PAUP to Manson Construction Co. Built at Seatrium’s Brownsville Texas yard, the Jones Act-compliant vessel is the largest self-propelled hopper dredger in US history.Key highlights:Largest in the U.S. – 420’ length x 81’ beam, with a 15,000+ cubic yard hopper capacityPowerful and Agile – Self-propelled with 25,000 horsepower, triple azimuthing stern drives, and twin bow…
SCHOTTEL Provides Propulsion Package for Polish Navy Rescue Vessel
The new Polish Navy rescue vessel “Ratownik," currently under construction at PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, will be equipped with a propulsion package supplied by SCHOTTEL. Designed to replace the Navy’s existing rescue units, the ship will enhance submarine crew rescue capabilities and strengthen the protection of subsea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The launch is scheduled for 2027, with delivery to the Polish Navy in 2029.Built to perform complex rescue operations…
Schwandt Appointed Schottel CEO
On January 1, 2026, Roland Schwandt took over as CEO of SCHOTTEL GmbH from Stefan Kaul as part of an orderly succession plan. Christian Bock was appointed Deputy CEO. In the future, Stefan Kaul will focus on production and materials management for the German production facilities in Dörth and Wismar and will continue to support the new management with his many years of experience.The succession plan was initiated early on by Stefan Kaul and coordinated with all parties involved.
Schottel Propulsion Chosen for Iron Project Tugs in Australia
Schottel is supplying propulsion systems and a unique control concept for barges and tugs serving at Mineral Resources’ (MinRes) Onslow Iron project.All seven barges and two of the project's seven tugs are newbuilds being constructed by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry in Zhoushan and Guangdong, China. Five barges have already commenced operations at the Port of Ashburton (Western Australia), with the final units scheduled for delivery in 2026.
SCHOTTEL to Equip CMAL Electric Ferries
SCHOTTEL will supply rudder propellers for a new series of seven electric double-ended ferries by Scotland’s state-owned Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). The vessels will be constructed by the Polish shipyard Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A, with the first delivery scheduled for 2027. Designed to operate across nine routes on Scotland’s West Coast, the ferries will contribute to more sustainable…
Schottel Expands Market Presence with New UK Subsidiary
German propulsion specialist Schottel has established a new subsidiary in the United Kingdom to strengthen its market presence in Britain and Ireland and expand customer support.Schottel UK will primarily focus on newbuild and retrofit sales, aiming to provide on-site support and tailored assistance for designers, builders and owners throughout the specification and procurement process.While Schottel UK will mainly focus on newbuild and retrofit projects, aftersales support in the U.K.
Curtin Maritime to Build Eight Hybrid Tugboats for $160M
While political winds in the U.S. have significantly tampered many ‘green’ projects, Curtin Maritime is domiciled in California, which is globally known for its strict environmental initiatives. To that end, Curtin Maritime inked a contract recently to invest $160m for eight new hybrid-electric tugboats, vessels being built by Snow & Co. and featuring vertically integrated electric powertrains from Arc with Schottel propulsion.
SCHOTTEL Far East Announces New Managing Director
SCHOTTEL GmbH announced the appointment of Holger Trecksel as Managing Director of its subsidiary SCHOTTEL Far East, effective July 1, 2025. He succeeds Joachim Schein, who has played a pivotal role in the company’s development and success over the past two decades.Holger Trecksel brings 23 years of experience in the maritime industry to his new role. Holding degrees in naval architecture and business administration, he became familiar with SCHOTTEL early in his career.
Celebrating 75 Years of SCHOTTEL RudderPropeller
SCHOTTEL founder Josef Becker invented the fully steerable rudder propeller, an innovation that continues to shape the maritime industry today.Since its introduction, more than 17,000 SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers have been sold, powering a wide variety of vessels on nearly every major body of water around the globe. This year marks the 75th anniversary of this development.With the invention of the SCHOTTEL RudderPropeller (SRP) in 1950…
SCHOTTEL to Equip Tug With RudderPropellers
SCHOTTEL is to equip a new OX series tractor tug from U.S.-based aluminum workboat builder Silverback Marine with two SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers type SRP 100. Designed in collaboration with Seattle headquartered Elliott Bay Design Group, the truckable tug will have a bollard pull of almost seven tons and ensure excellent maneuverability with an extremely compact size of just 7.9 meters (26’-0”) in length and 4.4 meters (14’- 6”) in width. The vessel, being built for the U.S.
ULA 'SpaceShip' Vessel Gets Propulsion Package
Schottel will equip a new RoRo cargo vessel for U.S.-based United Launch Alliance (ULA) being built by Bollinger Shipyards in Amelia, Louisiana. The vessel, to be named SpaceShip, will transport Vulcan rockets from the factory in Decatur, Alabama, to the launch sites at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It will be equipped with three Schottel RudderPropellers SRP 460 LE and two Schottel TransverseThrusters STT 1.
Robert Allan, SCHOTTEL Teamwork Hits 500 Tugs Milestone
With the 500th tug designed by Robert Allan and equipped with SCHOTTEL propulsion systems, the Canadian naval architect and German propulsion specialist companies have now reached a very special milestone in their long-standing partnership.Tug number 500 is one of a pair for KOTUG Canada, which are currently being built at Turkish Sanmar shipyards.Based on the RAsalvor 4400-DFM design from Robert Allan…
SCHOTTEL Equips KOTUG’s Methanol-Fueled Tugs
SCHOTTEL is equipping the world's first large purpose-built dual-fuel methanol escort tugs based on the Robert Allan Ltd. RASalvor 4400-DFM design for towage company KOTUG Canada with rudderpropellers featuring the mechanical hybrid solution SYDRIVE-M. The tugs—to be named SD Aisemaht and SD Qwiy Aanitsa Sarah—are currently in the final stages of construction at Turkish Sanmar Shipyards. After their completion in Q3 2025…
Schottel Propulsion LNG Bunkering Vessel Trio
Schottel was selected to supply full propulsion packages for three new LNG bunkering vessels (LNGBV), each consisting of a controllable pitch propeller, a retractable rudder propeller, and a transverse thruster. The ships, with a loading capacity of 20,000 cbm, are currently under construction at the Chinese shipyard Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co. Ltd. and are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027.
Schottel Inks Propulsion Supply Deal for Portuguese Navy’s Newbuild
Schottel has been awarded a contract to supply propellers and thruster for a Multi-Purpose Support Ship (MPSS) being built by Damen for the Portuguese Navy.For the main propulsion, Schottel will deliver two electrically powered EcoPeller type SRE 560 azimuth thrusters with an input power of 2,600 kW eachTo enhance maneuverability and DP capabilities, the newbuild will be equipped with a SCHOTTEL TransverseThruster type STT 3 FP (800 kW).With this thruster configuration…
Schottel's SRP-D Efficiency Confirmed
The increased performance of the SCHOTTEL RudderPropeller Dynamic SRP-D has once again been confirmed by external sources. At the request of the Dutch Damen Group, the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) carried out extensive research to demonstrate the added value of the SRP-D for Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOV).While an earlier study had already demonstrated a reduced DP footprint and fuel savings…
Schottel to Equip Polish Frigates with Transverse Thrusters
Schottel ahs secured a contract to supply Polish MIECZNIK-class multi-role frigates with transverse thrusters.Each of the MIECZNIK-class multi-role frigates, being built by PGZ Stocznia Wojenna in Poland, will be fitted with a shock-enhanced STT 4 with an input power of 925 kW and a propeller diameter of 2.0 metres.The entire scope of supply of the STTs comprises a combined system with motor and frequency-driven soft starter…
