SCHOTTEL Propulsion for Les Alizés Crane Vessel

German propulsion supplier SCHOTTEL will deliver a full propulsion package for Jan De Nul’s new offshore installation vessel Les Alizés.

The Les Alizés is the second mega installation vessel Jan De Nul ordered last year to enable installing next-generation offshore wind turbines.

SCHOTTEL will supply four rudderpropellers, two retractable rudderpropellers and two transverse thrusters for the floating crane vessel.

The four electrically driven rudderpropellers, at Les Alizés’s stern, will enable a maximum speed of 13 knots. Each has an input power of 3,000 kW and a propeller diameter of 3.30 metres.

The two retractable rudderpropellers and two transverse thrusters, at the vessel’s bow, will power dynamic positioning (DP) operations. The retractable rudderpropellers have an input power of 3,250 kW each and a propeller diameter of 3.00 metres. The transverse thrusters have a power input of 2,600 kW each and a propeller diameter of 2.79 metres.

SCHOTTEL will also provide a condition monitoring system for 24/7 on-board surveillance of the propulsion units, even in full offline mode. This will allow for a prolongation of dry-docking period from 5 to 7.5 years.

In addition, the company will fit the thrusters with a sealing system. The system ensures continuous leakage control of the seals and prevents water from entering the gearbox, as well as oil from escaping into the seawater.