Schottel has been selected to supply rudder propellers for two new LNG bunkering vessels to be operated by Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG).
The ships, each with a loading capacity of 20,000m3, are currently under construction at Jiangnan Shipyard in China and scheduled for delivery in April 2027. LNG bunker vessels for ship-to-ship fuelling require a propulsion system that reliably ensures precise manoeuvrability. Even in challenging weather conditions, the vessels must be capable of fulfilling their tasks efficiently. Equipped with two SRP 460 LE units, they are considered well suited for this purpose.
To reduce GHG emissions, the vessels rely on a fully electric propulsion system. The SRPs will therefore be installed in the LE‑Drive (embedded L‑drive) version. With its vertically integrated electric drive motor, this design eliminates the need for an upper gearbox, resulting in higher mechanical efficiency, reduced fuel consumption and lower vibration and noise levels. Its low installation height allows for a compact integration into the vessel. The SRPs feature Schottel ProAnode corrosion protection, which, thanks to its optimised hydrodynamic flow properties, further reduces energy consumption, lowers operating costs and extends the protection period.
In addition, both ships will be equipped with MariHub, the IoT gateway and monitoring solution from Schottel. It records and analyses data from sensors, machinery and other components to enable condition-based maintenance and enhance the vessels’ overall operational reliability.
LNG is considered one of the most important alternative marine fuels today as it enables shipowners to reduce their environmental footprint at competitive costs. With global LNG demand expected to rise further in the coming years, these bunkering vessels will play a key role in ensuring security of supply while supporting the decarbonisation of the international shipping industry.
Image: Schottel RudderPropeller SRP with ProAnode (source: Schottel)
