Sometimes, a change in a vessel’s operational profile requires appreciable modernization or retrofitting of its propulsion system to ensure that the vessel to stay match for function. And in some instances, newly required thruster efficiency options could be achieved with the assistance of modifications that protect a lot of the current items.
Earlier this yr, the Croatian ferry Krk operated by the nationwide Jadrolinija transport firm, was retrofitted to cater for a brand new route with stronger winds and currents. The open propellers of the Krk’s thrusters have been changed with new optimized propellers and fitted with SCHOTTEL VarioDuct SDV45 nozzles. The thruster improve comprised a mix of overhauls and modernizations in accordance with the time schedule of the vessel’s deliberate upkeep cycle.
The whole retrofit course of occurred throughout the annual lay days between seasons. The thrusters have been dismounted and reinstalled in Croatia by SCHOTTEL accomplice Alfa Marine. The conversion work on the thrusters themselves was carried out on the SCHOTTEL service workshop in Spay, Germany. A value saving of round 50% was achieved by overhauling the present thrusters – together with the transportation prices to Germany – versus buying new ones.
with modernization work accomplished, the ferry is responding extra precisely to steering maneuvers and the autopilot makes fewer corrections due to the much-increased course-keeping stability. Hydrodynamical analyses from SCHOTTEL predicted the now realized high pace of 13 knots and varied different benefits gained from utilizing the SDV45 nozzle. In addition to the vessel’s elevated course-keeping stability, the brand new nozzles additionally guarantee smoother operation of the thrusters.
As an additional benefit, as a result of improved thrust and efficiency values of the Krk, Jadrolinija is now in a position to tighten the ferry’s schedule.
The open propellers of the Krk thrusters have been changed with new optimized propellers and fitted with SCHOTTEL VarioDuct SDV45 nozzles. (Photo: Alfa Marine)
