Research Vessel Modernized with Schottel Pump Jet

The 28-year-old Aranda is the first Finnish vessel to be modernized with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system. The 59.2m long and 13.8m wide ice-going research vessel is to be fitted with a 3MW generator. While the conventional shafting is being retained, an electrically powered Schottel Pump Jet (SPJ) of type SPJ 132 RD will be installed as a new auxiliary propulsion unit. It features an input power of 400kW, is installed flush with the bottom of the research vessel and provides maximum thrust over the full 360° range, with no resistance, even in shallow water.

Just in time on customer request 

After a very short project planning phase, the customer requested delivery of the equipment in three monthly partial shipments of well, steering system and propulsion unit. As the last item, the Pump Jet has now been shipped to the Finnish shipyard Rauma Marine Constructions.

Design and low noise levels facilitate research

The Aranda is owned by the Finnish Environmental Institute and is intended for year-round research and surveying missions. Besides the propulsion assistance provided by the auxiliary drive, the SPJ is also used for dynamic positioning with an accuracy of half a meter. 

The resilient mounting means that the steel and cast-iron structure of the Pump Jet is completely isolated from the vessel’s hull, thus eliminating high-frequency excitations. In addition to extremely quiet operation, this property is a prerequisite for undisturbed seismic measurements, which will be one of the many tasks of the research vessel.