Page 46: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (May/Jun 2026)

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PROPULSION TECHNICAL FEATURE SCHOTTEL SRP-D

All images courtesy Schottel

SCHOTTEL SRP-D:

DP-Optimized Rudder

Propeller for Offshore Ops o ensure that wind turbines at sea operate safely, propeller acceleration/deceleration times. In combination regular and effective maintenance is essential. with a high-speed azimuth steering system with reinforced

Service operation vessels (SOVs) are used to gear components, the SRP-D enables faster thrust allocation

Tsecure this, while providing the crew on board than conventional rudder propellers. Thanks to the shorter with comfortable accommodation during multi-day oper- response times, it is possible to react faster and in a more tar- ations. They are often equipped with motion-compensated geted manner to external forces such as wind and currents, gangways that allow safe crossing between the ship and the thus achieving a higher positional accuracy of the vessel. offshore platform. This places particular requirements on In addition, the thruster is characterized by a vertically inte- the propulsion systems: Not only do they have to maintain grated electric drive motor (LE-Drive) which offers a number an exact position for hours on end, but it is also necessary of signifcant advantages: the elimination of the upper gearbox to maneuver the vessel quickly and precisely, even in in ex- increases mechanical effciency, reduces fuel consumption and treme weather conditions. At the same time, decarboniza- also minimizes vibration and noise. In terms of space savings, tion targets in the shipping industry are leading to increas- it scores with a lower installation height and minimal space ing demands for emissions reduction and energy effciency. requirements, as the L-drive does not require a separately ar- ranged motor including its foundation.

High Dynamic Trust Allocation

Reduced DP Footprint & Fuel Savings

The German propulsion expert Schottel is meeting these growing requirements in the offshore sector with a new rud- The dynamic properties of the SRP-D have been con- der propeller optimized for DP use. The SRP-D ("Dynamic") frmed several times by external experts. A study examined is a further improved variant for highly demanding DP opera- the effects of thruster response on DP positioning. The tions in service operation vessels. The thruster is marked by an simulation was performed on the numerical model of a real additional eight-degree tilt of the lower gearbox and improved Service Operation Vessel (SOV) equipped with Schottel 46 OFFSHORE ENGINEER OEDIGITAL.COM