Schottel is to equip a new electrically-powered ro-ro cargo vessel for US-based United Launch Alliance (ULA) being built by Bollinger Shipyards in Amelia, Louisiana.
The vessel, to be named SpaceShip, will transport Vulcan rockets from the factory in Decatur, Alabama, to the launch sites at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It will be equipped with three Schottel SRP 460 LE rudder propellers and two Schottel STT 1 transverse thrusters. SpaceShip’s tailored electric system will be designed and supplied by elkon, a member of the Schottel Group. The vessel is scheduled for completion in 2026.
The main propulsion system consists of three SRP 460 in the embedded L-drive variant, each with an input power of 2100kW and a propeller diameter of 2.6m. With this propulsion unit, the 111m-long and 25m-wide vessel will achieve a maximum speed of 15 knots. The 360-deg steerable SRP combines manoeuvrability with course stability during free sailing and provides thrust in any chosen direction. The L-drive variant (’embedded L-drive’) of the SRP features a compact electric motor, embedded in the thruster’s azimuth module, thereby reducing the overall height of the thruster. This space-saving solution is considered particularly suitable for installation in confined spaces or in environments where other machinery requires a lot of space. In addition, fewer mechanical parts ensure lower mechanical loss and incur reduced maintenance costs.
To further enhance the ship’s manoeuvring performance, it will be equipped with two STT 1 units, each with an input power of 373kW and a propeller diameter of 1.3m. The STT’s range of application extends from brief docking and casting-off in ports with only a limited number of operating hours per year to continuous operation under high load conditions in demanding positioning tasks. With this full propulsion package, suitable for both ocean-going and river service, the vessel will have high manoeuvring capabilities, said to be particularly crucial for the safe transport of its highly valuable cargo.
Schottel’s scope of supply will be completed by the MasterStick. The joystick system can control all five propulsion units simultaneously with one single lever, allowing precise and comfortable manoeuvring.
elkon will deliver active front end (AFE) drive technology for the main electrical propulsion system, which improves propulsion efficiency, reduces fuel consumption and increases overall vessel performance. The scope of supply is expected to guarantee quieter, smoother operation while optimising the energy management across all ship systems. In addition to main switchboards, the company will equip the vessel with an alarm control and monitoring system (ACMS) that ensures operational safety through real-time diagnostics and proactive issue resolution, as well as a power management system (PMS) for optimising energy distribution by intelligently integrating all generators and switchboard functions. elkon’s scope of supply will be completed by integrated, space-optimised motor control centres (MCC), power distribution system panels, as well as bridge and engine control centre consoles. With these customised solutions that comply with classification society standards and the latest marine electrical guidelines, SpaceShip’s electrical system is expected to ensure maximum safety, reliability and performance.
Due to the close cooperation between Schottel and elkon, SpaceShip‘s propulsion system is hydrodynamically and electrically optimally aligned. The sister companies share technological expertise developed over many years of collaboration. This ensures not only reliable and comprehensive consultation through a single point of contact but also optimised and cost-effective designs. In addition, customers benefit from a network of service stations, customer advisors and technicians.
The Vulcan rocket is a heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by ULA. First launched in January 2024, it is designed to replace ULA’s older Delta IV and Atlas V rockets. It can be equipped with up to six solid-fuel boosters to increase payload capacity, depending on mission requirements. The rocket is capable of supporting a wide range of operations, including the transport of satellites into various orbits.
Image: ‘SpaceShip’ will transport Vulcan rockets to the launch sites (source: Schottel)
