Schottel has supplied a new propulsion system for a 37-year old ferry, one of nearly 40 operating on Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, where water transport is relied on to move people and vital goods.
The Sengerema’s existing propulsion units had reached their end of life, so operator Temesa, which is responsible for the maintenance of the country’s ferries, had them modernised by the Songoro Marine Transport Boatyard, which chose Schottel.
Major Songoro, GM Songoro Marine, said: “We have been successfully working with Schottel for many years and always experience good working relations, reliable propulsion systems and professional contacts who provide us with guidance and support throughout our projects.”
The new machinery comprised two Schottel SRP 90 RudderPropellers that could be adapted to the existing vessel structure.
Michael Heibel, Schottel Team Manager Modernisation and Conversion, said: “Thanks to the customised concept, we were able to keep the effort as low as possible. That translated into minimal downtime for the customer. As a result of this solution, the operator not only benefits from an efficient propulsion system right now but also from reliable service in the future.”
Schottel claims to have always been prominent in the African ferry market. More than 60 ferries with the German propulsion systems are in operation on the continent as a whole. Dirk Wagner, GM Schottel Middle East, is responsible for sales and service in the English-speaking countries of Africa, says he is particularly pleased that this position could recently be further improved through the modernisation of the MV Sengerema.
Wagner said: “The work paid off: not only did we restore a reliable lifeline for the people who live by Lake Victoria, but following on from this project, we were also able to win two contracts for delivering multiple rudder propellers for two new ferries in the region.”
