Germany-based propulsion manufacturer Schottel has secured a contract to supply main and auxiliary propulsion systems for the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker ship of Fratelli Cosulich, an Italian group.
Construction of the 5,300dwt vessel is currently underway at Chinese Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore and Engineering shipyard, with delivery expected in summer 2023.
The 8,000cbm vessel will serve customers in the Mediterranean region.
The primary propulsion of the LNG bunker ship will come from two diesel-driven SCHOTTEL EcoPellers type SRE 360.
Furthermore, two SCHOTTEL TransverseThrusters type STT 1 CP will be fitted on board the 113m-long and 20m-wide vessel for maximum manoeuvrability in port areas.
According to Schottel, the vessel will achieve a free sailing speed of 13k with this thruster configuration.
Fratelli Cosulich LNG president Andrea Cosulich said: “Developing the LNG infrastructure is a key area for us, and we are very pleased that SCHOTTEL is supporting us with the delivery of high efficiency propulsion systems in this project.
“We are convinced that their experience and competence will enable secure, reliable and optimised vessel operations.”
The propulsion manufacturer claims that its SCHOTTEL EcoPeller meets all the needs of an advanced high-performance propulsion unit.
EcoPeller’s hydrodynamically optimised design enables it to generate maximum steering forces while increasing overall efficiency and course stability.
This cuts down fuel consumption, which reduces both operating costs and emissions.
Last July, Schottel received an order to deliver main propulsion units for five low-emission tugs.
