Norwegian ferry operator Torghatten Trafikkselskap recently upgraded one of its ferries’ propulsion systems, which involved the installation of two Schottel EcoPellers (SRE), a move which allowed the vessel’s energy consumption, and thus its environmental impact, to be reduced by up to 25%.
In an effort to further increase environmental safety, Schottel now includes the DNV type-approved Schottel LeaCon sealing monitoring system as part of the SRE package.
In 2020, Torghatten’s double-ended ro-pax ferry was retrofitted with two electrically driven 750kW Schottel SRE 340 L CP EcoPellers. After more than a year and a half in operation with the SRE, the outcome is extremely positive for Torghatten Trafikkselskap.
Gunnar Heringbotn, Technical Manager, Torghatten Trafikkselskap said: “We opted for the EcoPellers because we were convinced that they best met our requirements and would support us on our way to an eco-friendly future. Today we know this decision was exactly the right one: with the help of Schottel’s customised retrofit concept, we are saving up to 25% energy. As a result, we not only significantly reduce operating costs, but also emissions for the environment.”
Thanks to the combination of powerful propeller thrust and lateral force, the Schottel EcoPeller is calimed to fulfil all the requirements of a modern high-performance propulsion unit. The hydrodynamically optimised design allows the EcoPeller to produce maximum steering forces and good values in terms of overall efficiency and course-keeping ability. This reduces fuel consumption and ensures lower operating costs and emissions.
Schottel LeaCon is a seal monitoring system certified by DNV. It offers protection against seawater contamination caused by operating materials. Separate seals to the seawater and to the gearbox side ensure that both seawater coming into the system and gear oil going out of the system are collected in an intermediate chamber. LeaCon monitors the condition of the seals, so operational wear can be detected at an early stage and unscheduled maintenance avoided.
Schottel propulsion units equipped with the LeaCon system comply with stringent environmental requirements, such as the VGP regulations set out by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There is no need to use Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) with LeaCon.
