Schottel has been selected to equip the largest U.S.-flagged, self-propelled trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Frederick Paup with three rudder propellers type SRP 510 L FP. The 420'x81' dredge will be owned and operated by Manson Construction Co. and is currently under construction at the Keppel AmFELS Shipyard in Brownsville, Texas. The vessel will represent Manson’s single biggest investment in its 116-year history.
“The Frederick Paup will set a new benchmark in the U.S. hopper dredge market”, Jordan Brown, project manager at Manson, said in a statement announcing that Schottel will equip the new dredge with its thrusters. “The innovations include many aspects of improved ship design as well as specific demands regarding automation, machinery, and equipment. Schottel was able to meet these requirements as the thrusters will optimally support our vision of top performance in terms of mounting, thrust and maneuverability.”
Hockema Group Inc. created a well-elaborated hull design concept that allows for the propulsion system to be integrated in an exceptional manner. The aft appendages are optimally tailored to the rudder propellers in order to supply the thrusters with the lowest-possible turbulence flow. The three Schottel RudderPropellers type 510 L FP will be powered by diesel-electric drives and feature propeller diameters of 2.8 m and a power intake of 2,240 kW each. A particularly long propeller arm length allows for an arrangement at the stern in portside, center and starboard position with convenient access for future maintenance.
The 360° steerable SRPs are designed to enable the Frederick Paup to always benefit from maximum maneuverability, course stability during free sailing, and powerful thrust in the chosen direction. Besides the nozzles featuring enhanced corrosion protection with ProAnode, the RudderPropellers will be equipped with the DNV-GL type-approved Schottel LeaCon sealing system. Considered a non-oil-to-water interface, the system complies with the VGP regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Frederick Paup, named after Manson’s chairman of the Board, will be built to the requirements of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) classification society. The vessel is scheduled to enter operation in 2023 and will support the Army Corps of Engineers in maintaining marine transportation highways primarily along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast, as well as throughout the country.
