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New nozzle debuts in first dual-fuel tug built in Europe

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LNG Industry,


Astilleros Gondan has commissioned the first LNG-powered dual-fuel tug constructed in Europe propelled by two Schottel thrusters fitted with the SDV45 nozzle.

The DUX vessel is 40.2 m long and has a beam of 16 m. It is the first in a series of three tugboats designed by Robert Allan Ltd, and will serve Norway’s Statoil at its LNG terminal in Hammerfest, Norway.

The vessel features two Schottel Rudderpropellers Type SRP 630 CP. In a statement, Schottel added that the main thrusters are powered by two Wärtsilä 6L34DF main engines, each of which has a power rating of 3000 kW. In addition to this, the DUX features a Schottel Transverse Thruster Type STT 170 FP with 250 kW in the bow. The company claims that the propulsion arrangement equips the vessel with maximum power for its various duties. When operating, the vessel can reach a top speed of 15 knots, providing 107 t bollard pull. In addition to this, it is capable of attaining an indirect steering force of 167 t at 10 knots, and features a breaking force exceeding 200 t. The vessel is classed according to Bureau Veritas’ rules.

Schottel has introduced its VarioDuct SDV45 nozzle onto the market that found its first application in the DUX’s propulsion arrangement. After both CFD analysis and trials, the nozzle has had its shape modified in order to enable high-power applications along with decreased fuel consumption. The nozzle improves the vessel’s overall efficiency compared to other nozzle products. In combination with a compatible propulsion unit, fuel savings of up to 10% are possible at a certain speed, while maintaining a high rate of bollard pull. In addition to this, because of the nozzle’s relatively small diameter, it is suited for operation in shallow waters. Nonetheless, other vessels will soon also feature the new nozzle. For instance, French Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group has ordered a wind farm service operation vessel to be constructed at Cemre Shipyard in Turkey with three Schottel Rudderpropellers featuring the new nozzle.

Aside from its escort services, the DUX will also help with berthing operations and emergency services, including long line towing, fire fighting and oil pollution response. The vessel has been built according to state-of-the-art shipbuilding standards to guarantee full operational capability under severe environmental conditions, including temperatures as low as -20°C. In order to ensure compliance with Tier III emissions standards, the DUX, as well as the other two forthcoming vessels, will run on LNG for most operations. The vessels will, however, be capable of switching to diesel when needed. The DUX is able to accommodate an eight-person crew, and provides comfort to the crew by reducing vibration and noise levels to 45 dB in the cabins.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/03082017/new-nozzle-debuts-in-first-dual-fuel-tug-built-in-europe/

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