Schottel drive picked for world's first LNG hybrid tug

Singapore-based Sembcorp Marine has selected German firm Schottel’s azuimuthal hybrid drive system for the world’s first LNG hybrid tug, the latter company said on April 13.

The vessel is the first in a series of 12 that will replace Sembcorp Marine's existing diesel-fuelled tugs. It was designed by Sembcorp unit LMG Marin and a naval architecture design house in Norway.

The tug's future operations in the harbours of Singapore will require highly variable power ranges. Depending on the desired operating mode and needed propulsion power, the hybrid drive system uses either the main LNG engine or the zero-emissions electrical motors or both. Sembcorp Marine’s hybridised Schottel RudderPropellers type SRP 430 will have a power intake capacity of about 2,000 kW each.

The azimuth thrusters are engineered and manufactured in Germany, while commissioning and after-sales service will be provided by Schottel Far East in Singapore.

Sembcorp Marine’s new fleet will be operated by its subsidiary Jurong Marine Services for services in Singapore’s harbours, with operations scheduled to start in late 2021.