Brunvoll Propulsion, Manoeuvring, and DP2 System for Emergency Towing Vessel

April 14, 2025

SMIT Lamnalco’s new emergency towing vessel. Illustration: Robert Allan Ltd

Brunvoll has signed a contract with Rizhao Gangda Shipyard for the delivery of an extensive propulsion, manoeuvring, and dynamic positioning system for an Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV). The vessel is owned by Smit Lamnalco, a subsidiary of Boskalis, and will operate for the Austral Maritime Safety Authority. Its mission is to protect the marine environment around the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait – some of the most precious marine areas in the world.

The delivery from Brunvoll consists of twin-screw propulsion solution, four tunnel thrusters and a highly advanced control system.

The control system delivery is one of the most advanced from Brunvoll to date. It includes Brunvoll’s Propulsion and Thruster Control system (BruCon PTC), Brunvoll’s Dynamic Positioning system (BruCon DP2), and Brunvoll’s Joystick control (BruCon JS). The DP system features Target Tracking which allows the vessel to follow objects, such as Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

The twin screw propulsion solution consists of a pair of controllable pitch propellers with reduction gearboxes and nozzles. The propellers will have a maximum power output of 3800 kW each, and a diameter of 3.5 meters. The gearboxes do also feature Power Take-Out (PTO) and Power Take-In (PTI), which allows for a broad variety of operational modes. All the different modes are available both in normal operation and while the vessel is in DP2 operation as well.

“We are proud and humble for been chosen by such a major player in the maritime industry”

“The control system for this vessel is one of the most advanced systems to date by Brunvoll. We have been working with this project for quite a while, and it is outer most rewarding when it finally comes together. All disciplines in Brunvoll have been working closely together with the owner and designer to realise this project, and even though the schedule is tight we will deliver on time.”, says Oddbjørn Følsvik, VP Sales at Brunvoll.

The vessel designed by Robert Allan Ltd. with the design annotation RASalvor 6500. The dimensions of the ETV a length of 65 meters and a bollard pull capability of 120 tons.

The system will feature the following operational modes:

PTO – Main engines and shaft generators running PTO on both sides, delivering both power for propulsion and electricity on board.
PTI – Propulsion on both sides running by the electrical motors, powered either by auxiliary motors or batteries. In lower load conditions, this mode can be used to avoid starting up the larger main engine and instead run smaller engines on more optimal load conditions.
Hybrid – One side runs PTO and the other runs PTI, i.e. one main engine power both propellers. Adding further flexibility and optimal running of engines.
Bollard pull – Both sides powered by main engines and PTI, for maximum bollard pull. This boost mode takes out the full power of the vessel to support special operations, like towing or anchor handling.
Fire Fighting – FIFI pumps engaged with less power available for propulsion, to avoid overloading the main engine.