Marine Propulson News

ABB has won a contract to deliver a power, propulsion, and automation system for two new-built short-sea container ships for Rotterdam-based global logistics company Samskip Group.According to ABB, the vessels will be among the world’s first of their kind to use hydrogen as a fuel. Financial details of the contract were not disclosed. Built by India-based Cochin Shipyard, the 135-meter ships are due for delivery in Q3 and Q4 of 2025, respectively. Both vessels will be operating between Oslo Fjord and Rotterdam, a distance of approximately 700 nautical miles.

Propulsion systems manufacturer Schottel said Thursday that the largest Schottel EcoPeller ever manufactured was recently shipped from the Wismar production facility in Germany. The five-bladed SRE 700 features a propeller diameter of 3,600 mm and an input power of 3.2 MW. "Thanks to its compact design, the integrated LE-Drive (“embedded L-Drive”) allows more freedom in vessel design," Schottel said."In addition to this, it offers extremely low vibration and noise levels. The thruster’s controllable pitch propeller enables efficiency increases by means of pitch adjustment.

Finland's marine technology company Wärtsilä said Tuesday it had retrofitted an inline shaft generator system on the ‘Berge Toubkal’, a cape-size bulk carrier owned by Singapore-based Berge Bulk, in what it said was an industry first."This is the marine industry’s first-ever shaft generator retrofit, and its successful completion will improve the vessel’s Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) while reducing overall carbon footprint," Wärtsilä said."Shaft generator systems onboard ships are driven by the main engine to supply power to the mains, thus saving fuel and emissions.

Finland-based marine engine and technology provider Wärtsilä will supply its hybrid propulsion system for four new heavy lift vessels being built at the Wuhu Shipyard in China. The ships are set to be delivered in 2025, and they will mostly be used to help set up wind farms. The vessels have been contracted by SAL Heavy Lift GmbH, a German heavy lift and project cargo specialist and part of the Harren Group, in cooperation with its joint-venture partner, Netherlands-based Jumbo Shipping.

Steerprop, a designer and manufacturer of high-performance propulsion systems, has won a major order to supply the complete propulsion package for Maersk Supply Service's recently ordered Wind Installation Vessel (WIV). Singapore-based Sembcorp Marine Ltd, which has secured a contract for the construction of the vessel for Maersk Supply Service, ordered the propulsion package from Steerprop.Steerprop's scope includes six ducted L-drive azimuth propulsors with an output power of 4500 kW and two 900 kW Steerprop Tunnel Thrusters for dynamic positioning…

WE Tech Solutions Oy in Vaasa, Finland won an order for its WE Drives to control the RENK Advanced Electric Drive (AED) onboard the Pohjanmaa-class Corvettes for The Finnish Defence Forces. The WE Drives are essential for smooth operation in the different operating modes of the Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas (CODELAG) Propulsion system. The WE Drives are supplied to RENK Augsburg, Germany, who is taking care of the overall integration of the electric propulsion and gearbox system.“This is our first Navy Project and marks an important milestone for WE Tech Solutions”, saidMr.

WinGD  updated its X72DF dual-fuel engine platform with four new versions, new versions aimed to provide ship design flexibility while helping to reduce installed power and emissions.Popular on LNG carriers, the X72DF is also applicable on Suezmax tankers, Panamax and sub-Panamax containerships and Capesize bulk carriers, too.“Our most successful engine model is now available in four configurations,” said WinGD Global Sales Director Volkmar Galke. “These options reflect the varied demands on shipowners to design vessels more efficiently, reduce installed power and cut emissions dramatically.