Finnish propulsion company Steerprop has received a second order for hybrid-capable azimuth propulsion units to be installed on a new high-performance tugboat for Norwegian shipowner Østensjø Rederi which is under construction at Gondan Shipbuilders in Spain.
The order follows an earlier contract for a vessel of similar scope placed in February 2026. The first sister vessel is under construction at Gondan to the ST933 design from naval architect Skipsteknisk of Norway. 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, 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.”
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 150t, the vessel will feature DP2 capability to meet the requirements of offshore tug and towage operations. Ducted propulsors deliver high efficiency, strong thrust at low speeds and high manoeuvrability, making them suited to tug applications. A robust mechanical propeller drive and fixed-pitch propeller concept are intended to enhance the reliability required for challenging offshore operations.
Image: The new tugs for Østensjø Rederi will be equipped with two Steerprop SP 50 W D dual-end azimuth units (credit: Skipsteknisk/Østensjø Rederi)
