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Development work on Mermaid con- stituted one of the most extensive pro- jects in the history of Kamewa's Hydro- dynamic Research Center in Kristine- hamn, Sweden, where model testing of azimuthing thrusters has been conduct- ed for decades. "The testing has ensured that Mermaid offers the lowest possible noise and vibration levels," said Mermaid Propul- sion project manager, Jan Pettersson. "This, in turn, means an unusually high level of passenger comfort. Safety is increased by excellent maneuverability, and superior crabbing and crash-stop capabilities," he added. While Germany's premier shipping group, Hapag-Lloyd, selected Azipod drive for its prestigious Europa cruise ship project, the German contender in the field of podded propulsion systems has achieved its market breakthrough courtesy of a Swedish shipowner's new- build project. The endorsement of the German-engineered alternative is all the greater in its significance for the promi- nence of Scandinavian technology in the field. The solution devised by steerable propulsion specialist Schottel in con- junction with electrical engineering group Siemens differs substantially from the other options available through the adoption of tractor and pusher pro- pellers at each end of the podded drive. The Siemens-Schottel Propulsor (SSP) is due to make its operational debut next year, having been selected for Rederi Donsotank's 19,500-dwt chemi- cal product tanker booked with Shang- hai Edward Shipyard in China. The con- tract for the newly-developed pod was actually awarded by the shipbuilder, which is partly German-owned. Since the main contestants in the mar- ket have been successful in attracting serial contracts, repeat, batch and poten- tially volume production will impact on manufacturing economics and enhance the competitiveness of the relevant products. Significantly, therefore, Schottel has made dedicated provision for the output of SSP units from the facilities of Wis- mar Propeller und Maschinenbau, acquired from Dieselmotoren-Werke Rostock. Renamed Schottel-Antrieb- stechnik, the plant will be the subject of a five-year DM 30 million investment program, and will be the point of manu- facture, assembly and testing of SSP propulsors. The Swedish tanker recipient of the entirely German-conceived system, in its SSP7 configuration with an output of 5.1-MW, will be constructed to the highest ice class notation of Det Norske Veritas for year-round duties in the Baltic trade. One of the characteristics which favored SSP's selection for the Don- sotank vessel, designed by the Uddeval- la firm FKAB, was its ease of fitting, a factor salient to its use in a project in China. Modular design and the avoid- ance of complex air cooling arrange- ments, makes for a relatively straight- forward installation. Perceived strong points of the concept, from the contractual owner's standpoint, are improved efficiency compared with conventional propulsion systems, out- standing maneuverability and ice-going capabilities, low maintenance require- ments, and space-saving attributes, enabling more of the hull envelope to be used for cargo carrying. Schottel and Siemens have jointly developed the 360-degree rotating SSP using the SVA institute in Potsdam for tank and cavitation tests. It is claimed to offer 10 percent higher propulsion effi- ciency than conventional systems, and is targeted at applications in the 5-30 MW range embracing the cruise ship, large ferry, reefer, products and chemical tanker, icebreaker, and offshore and sec- tors as well as the naval market. The forward, or tractor propeller is located ahead of the bulb, and some of the rotational energy in the flow down- stream is recovered by the strut and two fins on the bulb, with water then flowing through the aft propeller to gain added thrust. Circle 221 on Reader Service Card CENTA Corporation Leading by Innovation Coupling & Shafting Systems For Every Conceivable Type Of Propulsion & On-board Machinery • Centa's product line consists of 18 product families satisfying the 50 to 22,000 BHP (40 to 120,000 Ft-Lb) range. • Centa's unique shafting products operate in the 10 to 18,500 BHP (7 to 88,400 Ft-Lb) range where mission requirements demand ultra-quiet, zero maintenance torque transmission. Shafting material is of aluminum, precision extruded steel and carbon fiber composite. • Centa's line of centrifugally activated clutches answer power requirements up to 2,800 BHP (7,800 Ft-Lb) range. • Centa combines couplings, shafts, and/or clutches to create custom, integrated power transmission systems complete from driving to driven machinery. Call, fax or check box number on the enclosed response card. 815 Blackhawk Dr. (630) 734-9600 -9669 fax Westmont, IL 60559 centacorp@aol.com An American Small Business with Over 50 years in Marine & Naval Deck Machinery. Over 25 years of experience in anti- roll stabilization. More than 150 ships fitted with ACH anti-roll stabilizers. 'MSSMSW 1608 Newcastle St. • Brunswick, GA 31521-0904 Marine Services Division (912) 262-2000 • Fax (912) 262-2051 12609 Hwy. 57 (1) • Vancleave, MS 39565 www.jered.com (228) 826-1007 • Fax (228) 826-1022 New England Trawler Equipment Co. 291 Eastern Avenue • Chelsea, MA 02150 (617) 884-4354 • Fax (617) 889-5240 The future of the US marine industry is diverse in it's developmental needs. Jered Industries, Inc. with primary facilities in Brunswick, Georgia is positioned and committed to lead the way. Within it's portfolio, Jered offers a broad range of marine related capabilities • Manufacturing—High quality manufacturing, with welding certifications to MIL-specs, AWS, ABS and DOT codes. • Engineering—Experienced engineering staff specializing in the design of electro-mechanical and electro-hydraulic marine equipment. • Service & Parts—Full-time field service and spare parts organization. • Shipyard Support—Marine Services Division in Ocean Springs, MS providing engineering, electrical contracting and manpower support. • Commercial Marine—Subsidiary NETEC provides complete mooring and anchoring systems, U.S. Naval non-magnetic windlasses, anchor windlasses, capstans, rescue boat cranes and winches. • Anti-Roll Stabilization—Exclusive North American Representative of ACH Engineering providing and installing stabilizers for over 25 years. Circle 255 on Reader Service Card
