As 2020 gets underway, shipping companies are looking to keep their voyages as fuel efficient and cost efficient as possible to remain at a competitive advantage. In this week’s spotlight, VPO Global highlights four technologies that are helping shipping companies to optimise fuel consumption.

SCHOTTEL Rudder ECOPeller

German technology company SCHOTTEL offers the Rudder EcoPeller, a marine propulsion system that delivers high propulsion efficiency with excellent course-keeping stability to ensure low fuel consumption, low operating costs and low emissions.

EcoPeller has been developed primarily for open sea and coastal operating conditions and combines SCHOTTEL’s current technology with the latest, hydrodynamic insights from CFD simulations and model tests.

The SRE is based on the SCHOTTEL Combi Drive design principle: The electric motor is vertically integrated into the support tube of the EcoPeller. This design saves space and eliminates the upper of the two angle gears as well as any necessary shaft lines. According to SCHOTTEL, the EcoPeller offers unbeatable comfort thanks to extremely low vibration and low noise levels.

Additionally, the integrated High-Torque-Gear (HTG) technology provides enhanced durability and uptime of the thruster, while the LEACON sealing system guarantees highest oil-to-water-interface protection.

The EcoPeller is currently leading the Norwegian ferry market as it has been selected to be installed in eight newly-built ferries of two of the biggest Norwegian ferry lines.