Recently, German propulsion expert SCHOTTEL received a significant order from Greece’s ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group, to supply azimuthing rudder propellers for its 20 newbuild RAstar 2800 series tugs. The series of tugs will be built at the Elefsina shipyard in Greece.
According to the contract, SCHOTTEL will supply a total of 40 azimuthing thrusters, with each ASD (Azimuthing Stern Drive) tug equipped with two SCHOTTEL SRP 490 FP type rudder propellers.
This cooperation is based on an exclusive licensing agreement signed between ONEX and renowned Canadian ship design company Robert Allan Ltd. Under the agreement, ONEX has been authorized to build tugs based on the RAstar 2800 design.
Christos Grigoropoulos, Head of Procurement at ONEX, stated: “At ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group, building innovative and high-quality vessels is our consistent principle. For the newbuild tug project, one of the most critical decisions is selecting the best and most reliable propulsion system. Therefore, we chose SCHOTTEL to provide propellers and shafting equipment for the RAstar 2800 series tugs.”
He noted: “SCHOTTEL has a long-standing excellent track record in the research, development, and manufacturing of innovative propulsion systems, whose products deliver outstanding performance and extremely high energy efficiency even under the most demanding conditions. Cooperation with SCHOTTEL will ensure our tugs possess top-tier operational capabilities, achieving higher operational efficiency and lower operating costs, enabling them to handle various high-intensity offshore operations.”
The RAstar 2800 tug, equipped with the FIFI 1 fire-fighting system, is renowned for its exceptional escort capabilities. Its unique sponson hull design significantly enhances towing performance and seakeeping. This vessel type can operate stably in harsh sea conditions and relatively calm waters, while complying with ATEX Zone 2 explosion-proof standards, making it highly suitable for LNG, LPG terminals, and various open and enclosed operational environments worldwide.
To fully leverage the performance advantages of the RAstar 2800, the project selected the SCHOTTEL SRP 490 FP type azimuthing thruster. This 360-degree azimuthing thruster combines excellent maneuverability with high bollard pull. Its compact and robust thruster design minimizes maintenance requirements and ensures a long service life.
Furthermore, the SCHOTTEL DuroVario LS slip clutch system enables smooth acceleration, improves thruster controllability, and provides more stable operational performance during firefighting operations. Each thruster will be driven by a MAN 16V175D-MM diesel engine with a single-engine power of 2560 kW (1800 rpm). Under this configuration, the vessel is expected to achieve a maximum free-running speed of 12.5 knots and a bollard pull of up to 85 tons.
This series of thrusters will also be equipped with the SCHOTTEL high-performance SDV45 nozzle. This nozzle has been proven to significantly improve propulsion efficiency in free-running conditions while maintaining excellent bollard pull. Additionally, the thrusters feature the SCHOTTEL ProAnode corrosion protection system, which further enhances corrosion protection and extends the service life of the thrusters.
This cooperation represents an important step in the regeneration and transformation of the Greek shipbuilding industry. By introducing innovative technologies and modern shipbuilding processes, it aims to provide the most advanced tugs for the modernization of the Greek and overseas fleets.
