YOUR PROPULSION EXPERTS
First dual fuel tugboat DUX and its two sisters will serve Norway’s state-owned energy company Statoil at its LNG gas terminal in Hammerfest, Norway.
Astilleros GONDAN has commissioned the first LNG-powered dual fuel tug ever built in Europe propelled by two powerful SCHOTTEL thrusters fitted with the new SDV45 nozzle. DUX, with 40.2 meters length and 16 meters beam, is the first tugboat of a series of three designed by the Canadian company Robert Allan Ltd. The escort tug will serve Norway’s state-owned energy company Statoil at its LNG gas terminal in Hammerfest, Norway.
SCHOTTEL propulsion for outstanding performance
The vessel is equipped with a pair of SCHOTTEL Rudderpropellers Type SRP 630 CP. The main thrusters are powered by two Wärtsilä 6L34DF main engines with a power rating of 3000 kW each. Additionally, DUX is fitted with a SCHOTTEL Transverse Thruster Type STT 170 FP with 250 kW in the bow. The propulsion arrangement equips the vessel with maximum power for its various duties. When in operation, DUX achieves a maximum speed of 15 knots, providing exceptionally high forces of 107 ton bollard pull. Furthermore, the vessel is able to obtain an indirect steering force of 167 tons at 10 knots and features a breaking force exceeding 200 tons. The vessel is classed according to the rules of Bureau Veritas.
Market debut of SDV45 nozzle
SCHOTTEL has introduced its new VarioDuct SDV45 nozzle onto the market that found its first application in DUX’ propulsion arrangement. After extensive CFD analysis and trials, the nozzle has been modified in shape to enable high-power applications along with reduced fuel consumption. The SDV45 nozzle marks a substantial progress in terms of a vessel’s overall efficiency compared to other nozzle products. In combination with a compatible propulsion unit, fuel savings of up to 10% are possible at a certain speed, while maintaining a high rate of bollard pull. Furthermore, due to the nozzle’s relatively small diameter, it is ideally suited for operation in shallow waters. However, DUX will not stay the only vessel being equipped with the new nozzle for a long time: French Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group has ordered a wind farm service operation vessel to be built at Cemre Shipyard in Turkey with three SCHOTTEL Rudderpropellers featuring the new nozzle.
Multi-purpose tug to operate in severe environmental conditions
Besides its escort services, DUX will assist with berthing operations and emergency services such as long line towing, fire-fighting and oil pollution response. The multi-purpose tug has been constructed according to state-of-the-art shipbuilding standards to guarantee full operational capability under severe environmental conditions including temperatures as low as -20 °C. To comply with Tier III emissions standards, DUX and the forthcoming two vessels will use LNG in most of their operations, with the option to switch on diesel when needed. The vessel can accommodate a crew of eight people and provides extraordinary comfort by reducing vibration and noise levels to moderate 45 dB in the cabins.
