Schottel systems for new lighthouse tender vessel
Designed to maintain and service lighthouses, buoys, and other marine aids to navigation, Pole Star requires high manoeuvrability supported by reliable propulsion
The UK’s Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) has commissioned its latest vessel, Pole Star, which was officially named in January. The agency, which oversees the operation and maintenance of navigation aids and lighthouses in Scotland and the Isle of Man, chose Schottel systems to provide for the new vessel which has been built at Gondan in Spain.
The German company has supplied two Schottel RudderPropellers type SRP 460 LE and two TransverseThrusters type STT 2. The systems are integrated with the vessel’s dynamic positioning system, enabling precise station-keeping even in the challenging conditions that often prevail in northern waters.
The NLB’s director of Operations, Phil Day, said: “A Schottel solution was offered by Gondan, who won the contract to build Pole Star following an open tender process, as part of the package. NLB is delighted to be using this equipment and entering into a relationship that will last the lifetime of the vessel.”
The latest vessel, number four in service ships with the same name, will undertake hydrographic surveys, towing, and fire-fighting functions when required.
