Gondan Shipbuilders has placed a second order for hybrid-capable azimuth propulsion units from Finnish propulsion specialist Steerprop. The units will be installed on a new high-performance tugboat for Norwegian shipowner Østensjø Rederi.

The order follows an earlier contract for a vessel of similar scope announced in February this year. The first sister vessel  is under construction at Gondan Shipbuilders to a tug design ST933 by naval architect Skipsteknisk. Steerprop will again supply dual-end versions of its SP 50 W D propulsors, giving the vessel the flexibility to operate its main propulsion using a diesel engine, an electric motor, or a combination of both.

Juho Rekola, Director, Sales & Project Management at Steerprop, said: “This repeat contract for highly capable propulsion on a sophisticated vessel confirms the fruitful cooperation established between all parties. We are delighted to retain and build on the trust that Østensjø Rederi, GONDAN Shipbuilders and Skipsteknisk have placed in Steerprop with another project.”

WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL POWER
The vessel will carry out the majority of its operations using the diesel-electric mode, while the diesel engine will provide additional power when higher bollard pull is required. Steerprop’s compact propulsor design provides flexibility in vessel arrangement and power configuration. The dual-end propulsors enable two power sources to be connected and operated, offering an important advantage in more complex hybrid configurations such as this.

With a bollard pull of 150 tonnes, the vessel will also feature DP2 dynamic positioning capability to meet the demanding requirements of offshore tug and towage operations. Ducted propulsors deliver high efficiency, strong thrust at low speeds and excellent manoeuvrability, making them particularly well suited to tug applications. A robust mechanical propeller drive and fixed-pitch propeller concept further enhance the reliability required for challenging offshore operations.