VIDEO: NLB’s new Pole Star features Schottel propulsion package

Recently delivered by Spanish shipyard Gondan to the U.K.’s Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB), the agency’s newest vessel, Pole Star, features a Schottel propulsion package designed to meet the vessel’s needs for maneuverability and reliability.

The Northern Lighthouse Board is responsible for the superintendence and management of all lights, buoys and beacons within Scottish and Isle of Man waters and, as well as buoy and lighthouse servicing, the Pole Star also conducts hydrographic surveys in these waters.

The new vessel, designed by OSK Design and Seaplace, has a total length of 70 meters and a beam of 16 meters, and is equipped to accommodate 26 crew members. It has three 1,860 kWe hybrid electric propulsion engines and 4,644kWh batteries that contribute to its energy efficiency.

With hybrid propulsion, Pole Star is equipped with advanced navigation and communications systems.

Phil Day, director of operations at the Northern Lighthouse Board, said: “A Schottel solution was offered by Gondan, who won the contract to build Pole Star following an open tender process, as part of the package. NLB is delighted to be using this equipment and entering into a relationship that will last the lifetime of the vessel.”

Pole Star requires high maneuverability supported by reliable propulsion. To meet these demands, the vessel is equipped with two Schottel RudderPropellers type SRP 460 LE and two TransverseThrusters type STT 2. This thruster configuration provides a high level of system redundancy, significantly enhancing the vessel’s reliability and operational safety. It fully supports the vessel’s advanced dynamic positioning (DP) capabilities, ensuring precise station-keeping even under demanding conditions.

In line with NLB’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability, both SRPs are installed in the LE-Drive variant (“embedded L-Drive”). The vertically integrated electric drive motor eliminates the need for an upper gearbox, resulting in higher mechanical efficiency, reduced fuel consumption and lower vibration and noise levels. Its low installation height also enables a particularly compact integration into the vessel. To further reduce noise and vibration, the STTs feature an elastically mounted well installation, significantly enhancing onboard comfort. This design also allows an inspection of the thrusters inside the thruster room for maintenance purposes.

To meet environmental requirements, the thrusters are equipped with Schottel LeaCon, a DNV-type approved seal monitoring system that offers safe and reliable protection against seawater contamination from lubricating oil. LeaCon also monitors seal condition, enabling early detection of operational wear and reducing the risk of unscheduled maintenance.

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