Schottel to Equip Kenya's Powerful New Tug
German propulsion systems manufacturer Schottel says it has secured a contract with Turkish shipyard Med Marine to provide azimuth thrusters for a powerful new salvage tug ordered by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). The vessel will be equipped with main and auxiliary propulsion systems from Schottel, achieving a bollard pull of more than 120 tonnes. The Robert Allan RAstar 4200 (MED-A42120) design vessel is considered the largest tugboat on the East African Coast of the Indian Ocean.
Recai Hakan Şen, CEO of Med Marine, says, “The marine business is rapidly changing towards greater environmental awareness and improved operational efficiency. This new tugboat will reflect this change, thanks largely to Scchottel’s proven and reliable propulsion solutions. It will truly represent the new generation of vessels, with vastly increased power.”
The new vessel will be driven by two Schottel Rudderpropellers type SRP 710 with an input power of 3,700 kW each at an input speed of 1,000 rpm. The SRPs feature propellers measuring 3.4 meters in diameter. The azimuth thrusters will be powered by diesel engines. This thruster configuration will achieve an expected bollard pull of more than 120 tonnes. Furthermore, one hydraulically-driven Schottel Transverse Thruster type STT 170 (250 kW) will improve maneuverability.
Schottel says the propulsion system will enable the tug to provide more efficient ship handling and coastal towing services. Measuring 42 metres in length and at a width of 16 meters, the salvage tug is equipped with extensive towing facilities, extinguishing monitors for firefighting, external bilge systems for leak detection, workshops, ship cranes and dinghies.
The vessel, scheduled for delivery in 2021, will go to work at East Africa’s largest port of Mombasa as part of the Kenya Ports Authority equipment modernization and maintenance program.
The new tug will be equipped with main and auxiliary propulsion systems from Schottel, achieving a bollard pull of more than 120 tonnes. One hydraulically-driven Schottel Transverse Thruster type STT 170 (250 kW) will improve maneuverability (Image: Schottel)
