Hybrid-drive tug uses Schottel propellers

The PSA Wayra ASD tug will soon enter service as the first tug with a hybrid drive system on South America’s west coast. (Photo: PSA Marine Peru)

The PSA Wayra ASD harbor tug is set to enter service on South America’s west coast as the latest addition to the fleet of PSA Marine Peru, a wholly owned subsidiary of PSA Marine (Pte) Ltd. Built by Hong Kong-based Cheoy Lee Shipyards in the RAmparts 2400W design, the tug is propelled by Schottel RudderPropellers featuring SYDRIVE-M technology, a mechanical hybrid drive solution.

The main propulsion of the ASD tug consists of two diesel-driven type SRP 460 Schottel RudderPropellers (2,240 kW each) featuring fixed-pitch propellers with a diameter of 2.6 meters. The rudder propellers include the LeaCon sealing system, which Schottel said provides reliable protection against contamination of seawater by operating materials. With this thruster configuration, the 24.4-meter-long and 11.25-meter-wide tug has more than 70 tonnes of bollard pull.

Design of Schottel’s mechanical SYDRIVE-M hybrid drive system. (Photo: Schottel)

The SYDRIVE-M technology connects a port- and starboard-mounted azimuth thruster in one vessel, allowing the thrusters to be driven together by only one of the main engines. Schottel said this reduces main engine operating hours, which in turn reduces maintenance costs as well as fuel consumption and emissions.

The system needs no additional electronic components. It features three main operating modes: Light Operation or Free Sailing Mode, Full Thrust Operation Mode and FiFi Mode.