Schottel Pump Jets for Energy-Efficient MS Renate

Propulsion specialist Schottel has secured a contract for delivery of pump jets for  the diesel-electrically powered passenger vessel MS Renate. 

The vessel is owned by Personenschifffahrt Josef Schweiger. The commissioned shipyard, Stahlbau Müller, in Oberwinter am Rhein, has ordered a total of three Schottel pump jets for the vessel, which is 50 metres long and 10 metres wide. MS Renate will be the first diesel-electrically powered passenger vessel to operate with Schottel pump jets on the German stretch of the Danube. This configuration makes it ideally suited for operation in the Weltenburger Enge Nature Reserve in the Lower Bavarian district of Kelheim. 

Maximum thrust through a full 360 degrees in shallow water 

The energy-efficient vessel, with space for almost 500 passengers, will be powered by two Schottel pump jets of type SPJ 82 with a power output of 361 kW each. An additional pump jet of type SPJ 57, with a power rating of 180 kW, will be integrated in the bow as a steerable transverse thruster. The bow thruster can be used as required, either for flexible manoeuvring in narrow channels or as an additional propulsion unit. 

The special feature of the azimuthing pump jet is that is installed flush with the bottom of the vessel and provides full thrust in all directions, without resistance, even in shallow waters. It thus offers maximum manoeuvrability even at higher speeds of up to 12 knots. 

For inland shipping, the compact SPJ gives reliable service wherever conventional propeller drives cannot be used due to restricted draught. Due to the flush installation in the hull, the special-purpose propulsion unit can even operate in extremely shallow waters. A protective grid on the water inlet of the Pump Jet protects it against damage from flotsam.

Resilient mounting for maximum comfort

The installation of a resilient mounting isolates the steel and cast-metal structure of the pump jet completely from the vessel’s hull. Moreover, high-frequency vibrations are filtered in this way. Consequently, the SPJ is an extremely quiet, low-vibration propulsion system and ensures maximum comfort on board the vessel, as well as protecting aquatic fauna. 

The MS Renate is scheduled to commence operation on the Danube in the spring of 2018. In the summer months from March to October, the vessel will primarily be in scheduled operation in the Danube and Altmühl valleys near Kelheim. It can also be booked year-round for special tours on the Bavarian Danube and on the Main-Danube Canal.