SCHOTTEL thrusters for America’s largest hopper dredge

German propulsion expert SCHOTTEL has just announced that the largest U.S.-flagged, self-propelled trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Frederick Paup will be equipped with its rudder propellers type SRP 510 L FP.

The dredger, currently under construction at the Keppel AmFELS Shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, will be owned and operated by Manson Construction Co.

The newbuild will have a length of 128m, a breadth of 25m and about 9m draught with a hopper volume of 11,500 m3. The vessel represents Manson’s single biggest investment in its 116-year history.

According to Jordan Brown, Project Manager at Manson Construction, the Frederick Paup will set a new benchmark in the US hopper dredge market. “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 manoeuvrability,” he said.

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 Rudder Propellers type 510 L FP are powered by diesel-electric drives and feature propeller diameters of 2.8m and a power intake of 2,240 kW each. A particularly long propeller arm length allows for an arrangement at the stern in portside, centre and starboard position with convenient access for future maintenance.

The 360-degree-steerable SRPs will enable the Frederick Paup to always benefit from maximum manoeuvrability, outstanding course stability during free sailing, and powerful thrust in the chosen direction.

Besides the nozzles featuring enhanced corrosion protection with ProAnode, the Rudder Propellers 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 US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

TSHD 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 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in maintaining marine transportation highways primarily along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast, as well as throughout the country.