Van der Velden rudder stock with a neck diameter over 1000mm made from high-strength 34CrNiMo6 steel. Credit: Damen Shipyards Group.

Damen Marine Components (DMC) has completed the delivery of the rudder and steering gear system for Antarctic Supply Research Vessel (ASRV) Nuyina.

The vessel, which is being constructed for the Australian Government’s Antarctic Division, will be designed to be able to cope with the ice in the Southern Ocean.

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Under its Van der Velden Marine Systems brand, DMC was tasked for the detail engineering and production of the rudder and steering gear system.

Engineered by project lead Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding, the rudders have been designed as free-hanging, full-spade rudders to offer optimum hydrodynamic properties.

It also features the integrated mechanical rudder stoppers, which are located between the rudder blade and (hull) skeg structure. The rudder stock has a diameter of more than 1,000mm and is manufactured from high-strength 34CrNiMo6 steel.

MacGregor Hatlapa manufactured and supplied the steering gear assemblies and the hydraulic systems as per the DMC’s specifications.

“The ship is 160m-long, however, the stresses imposed on the hull and its components are equivalent to those found on a normal vessel of 300m or more.”

DMC also supplied the rudder system, neck and carrier bearing systems steering gear foundations, as well as the electrical and primary steering control system.

To achieve the required standards, DMC worked in close partnership with Lloyds Register’s polar division throughout the process.

The ship is 160m-long, however, the stresses imposed on the hull and its components are equivalent to those found on a normal vessel of 300m or more. It can cruise at a top speed of around 16k.

Australia’s new ASRV is being constructed at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania and is scheduled to be delivered in April 2020.